 |
| The Stafford London, new cocktails |
Last week I was back at the Stafford London, this time to sample their new Cocktail Menu now available from the iconic American Bar. The new concoctions have been designed by Head Mixologist Eric Rychnausky; an enthusiastic Slovakian who have been working at the hotel for the last five years. The current menu takes on classic London influence and is permeated with historic World War II heritage, and a drop of modern taste.
There are nine new drinks, all carefully prepared by Eric and his team aims to enhance the guests experience in the acclaimed American bar, and also features a cocktail of the month drawing upon local seasonal ingredients. One of the new cocktails, the white mouse, is named after Nancy Wake, a French resistance Australian spy, who resided at The Stafford during the Second World War. We heard stories and anecdotes about her life at the hotel and in particular at the bar where she spent a lot of time. Her favourite tipple was the classic gin & tonic.
 |
| The Stafford, the historical the wine cellar |
The set of our cocktail tasting was the famous wine cellar, right underneath the hotel. It was used as war shelter during the II World War. A place is steeped in history and full of wonderful wines.
 |
| The Stafford’s Garden |
The first cocktail we sampled was The Stafford’s Garden: Hendricks Gin, fresh apple juice, apple sourz, fresh mint, and cucumber with an orange twist, is a blend straight from the herb garden in the hotel’s courtyard, Blue Ball Yard
 |
| The White Mouse |
second drink was The White Mouse, in honour of Nancy Wake above
mentioned. Boudier Saffron Gin, shaken with lemon juice and honey, then
topped with champagne. Nancy Wake, the white mouse, was Churchill’s
most highly decorated special agents who aided the troops from a seat at
the American Bar.
 |
| The Spitfire |
The Spitfire, made with Chase Marmalade vodka and fresh passion fruit combined with elderflower cordial and vanilla syrup, and topped with Champagne, is an homage to the classic wartime planes hanging in the famous saloon
And lastly a sample of the McLennium…
along with vanilla syrup,
bitter served over crushed ice
The Stafford London Monthly cocktail specials:
Russian (Valentines’)
of Scotland
Brillet
water
Miss (Easter)
vanilla syrup,
chocolate on the top
Flower (Chelsea Flower show)
fresh lime juice
Julep (Royal Ascot)
mint and sugar
with water
Centre Court (Wimbledon)
apple juice
tea and green crème de menthe
non hotel residents, opening hours are from
11.30am until 11.00pm Monday to Sunday.
Due to the size and popularity of the bar, it is not possible to book a table in advance.
Dress code: smart casual
Disclosure: I was a guest of The Stafford Hotel at the cocktail tasting. All views are my own.
