The American Bar — Restaurant in London

My recent visit to The American Bar at The Stafford London was an unforgettable experience, where the vibrant summer cocktails and exquisite all-day dining menu truly stole the show. Nestled in the heart of London, this iconic bar continues to impress with its blend of creativity and classic elegance.

The summer cocktail menu is a masterclass in mixology. I had the pleasure of trying the Summer Solstice, a refreshing concoction of Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, peach, cherry and sage tea, orange blossom water, and soda. The blend was both aromatic and delightfully balanced. The Vortex was another standout, with Beluga Noble Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, raspberry, rhubarb, and champagne creating a sophisticated and effervescent delight. For something rich and tropical, the Bagasse, featuring Flor de Caña 12-Year-Old Rum, Two Drifters Spiced Pineapple Rum, Discarded Banana Peel Rum, mangosteen water, pineapple, and champagne, was simply divine. Lastly, the Coral Reef offered a refreshing twist with Snow Queen Organic Vodka, watermelon, Mancino Sakura Vermouth, hibiscus, mint, and yoghurt – a perfect sip for a warm summer day.

The food was just as exceptional as the drinks. We started with the Oyster Rockefellers, which were perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour. For snacks, the crab doughnuts and crispy scampi were both delightful – the doughnuts were light and fluffy with a rich crab filling, while the scampi was crisp and tender.

For the main course, the New York strip loin with onion rings was cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, and accompanied by the most satisfying onion rings. Finally, we indulged in desserts that were the perfect ending to a flawless meal: the New York style cheesecake was rich and creamy, and the crispy apple pie offered a perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Overall, The American Bar at The Stafford London is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in expertly crafted cocktails and delicious food in an elegant setting. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this experience is not to be missed. I can't...

Unfortunately had a very bad experience which merits this review, as the staff didn't care to try to fix things or apologise.

Hostess arranging tables was very good. One of us ordered a cocktail which was nice enough.

I arrived 5 minutes later. After waiting, had to ask waiter for a drinks menu. Did not receive anything to eat the olives with except a single teaspoon between 2 people (this was never seen to). Had to chase waiter to order. Ordered a draft beer to join the cocktail my partner had, and had to chase it after 10+ minutes waiting, during which time my partner nearly finished her cocktail. Only one of us was given a drinks mat (hot day). Place wasn't busy at all so no excuse.

Pint was off - undrinkable. End of barrel or recently changed and not flushed. Sometimes you just don't like the style, and sometimes (very rarely for me) it's undrinkable.

We asked for the bill, ready to just pay up and leave, commenting the beer was bad and they should fix it for other people. I didn't ask for anything to be taken off the bill or anything like that. Waiter just argued with me saying it's fine and "meant to be warm and a bit bitter". Like I haven't been a beer fan in the UK for two decades. No attempt to make things right or offer a different beer.

So overall - one fairly normal Pimm's, olives with no sticks to eat them with, and a couple of sips of the worst draft beer I can remember tasting since 2008 for a total of just under £31.

Had the waiter simply apologised instead of arguing I would not be writing this, as sometimes mistakes happen. Should take some lessons in customer service. I'll stick with the Chesterfield - they know how to look after people. 2 stars for the location and the lady seating guests who does a great job. The...

A very average bar in looks and experience with staff seemingly more interested in their own interactions than their customers'.

Firstly the bill - 3 g&t and 6 small bottles of Peroni = £124. Now I don't mind paying that, and have many times in the past, but that's a price point where I expect a special atmosphere, seriously good service and top notch surroundings. This has none of those.

The doormen at the hotel side were lovely, so that was a good start. Beyond that, the bar is very ordinary. We were near an electric door that kept opening automatically and as there is no porch area nor any attempt to cover the opening through perhaps a curtain, every time it opens you're greeted by an icy blast of cold air until some time later it decides to close again.

The staff were more interested in chatting among themselves about whatever issues were going on around them without any appreciation that customers shouldn't be aware of this - take those conversations out of the bar area please - again, I wouldn't ordinarily care but at this price point my expectations are different (much higher!).

We won't be returning. You'd be better off round the corner at the Ritz, Mr Fogg's or Claridge's (or in fact most of the other local establishments) where you'll find a significantly superior experience at roughly the same...