The American Bar image

The American Bar

Restaurant Bar Cocktail bar

Upmarket hotel bar with elegant leather sofas and a serene atmosphere for expertly mixed cocktails. People often mention American, drinks, staff, service, cocktails, good, atmosphere, cocktail, drink, recommend,


Address

16-18 St James's Pl, St. James's, London SW1A 1NJ, United Kingdom

Website

thestaffordlondon.com

Contact

+44 20 7493 0111

Price rating

$$$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (365 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Friday: 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Monday: 12 PM to 12 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: American (23) drinks (17) staff (16) service (14) cocktails (13) good (12) atmosphere (10) cocktail (9) drink (9) recommend (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jackie H. 2 years ago on Google • 309 reviews
    We truly loved our cocktails and the fantastic service and atmosphere at the American Bar. Our server, the hostess and everyone we spoke to was amazing and we loved how friendly everyone was. The cocktails were fantastic and I was absolutely thrilled that they could make a gimlet for me as I've tried to find that everywhere! The atmosphere outside as well was stunning and we loved the beautiful flowers and decor in their patio area. We will definitely return!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 F.E. W. 4 years ago on Google
    We wanted to go there just for a cup of coffee at lunch time and we couldn’t sat outside. We order something small to eat just so that we can sit in the very idyllic beautifully made backyard in the middle of mayfare. As I said before, the backyard is very nicely prepared, only a bit disturbed by temporary construction work on the next house (end of July 2019). We enjoyed the good food even if the waiter was exordinary slow. But in general I can recommend this luxury bar/restaurant in mayfare.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Richard W. 2 months ago on Google • 522 reviews New
    I only recently found out that there are a number of ‘American Bars’ attached to hotels in London, I had assumed it was only a Savoy thing. This particular American Bar was perfectly adequate but a little anonymous in my opinion and not necessarily worth a detour. There are better places to grab a cocktail in London. The cocktails themselves were fine but again, not amazing. If this bar was a state of the US it would be South Dakota.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tony S. 1 year ago on Google
    On our visit to London , thought this American bar would be a nice place to have a couple of cocktails , after laying some followers for the Queen, at the floral tributes in the park. After following Google maps to this American bar, we must have arrived at the entrance to the Hotel linked to the American bar, I asked a staff member there if we were in the right place for the American bar, he said its through there and pointed the way,when we actual got to the bar, OMG !! we were greeted by a staff member there, that I can only describe he looked at us like we had just crawled out from the bottom of his shoe, I said is this the American bar ?? he said yes and we are fully booked, I said I didn't want a table,we only want a couple of cocktails at the bar, he said again, "we were fully booked, and the exist is there... I could see loads of empty tables and seats etc and empty tables and seats outside. I can only think that because we were dressed in T shirts etc,and not suits, he didn't want us in the place, ,he didn't mention any dress restrictions. and I didn't see any dress codes.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jack Y. 1 year ago on Google
    The drinks were fine, but nothing special, took 45 mins for a drink to come. Chased a few times but to my amusement was told “the bartenders are crying too” not worth the wait and my overpriced Amalfi spritz (21£) and tasted like a lemonade.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Johannes L. 1 year ago on Google
    I went for the first time with a friend and promised an old-school bar experience; unfortunately not much of that was offered. New money looking for overpriced drinks in small quantities is what we found. The atmosphere was that of a badly renovated American sports club and the drinks were neither particularly inventive nor old-fashioned. Big ice cubes divert the attention from the short drink. The snacks were good (+1 star). If you’re looking for classic hotel bar, you’ll be better off at the American Bar in Paris.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joe S. 1 month ago on Google • 234 reviews New
    Iconic London Bar that never disappoints. Service was 5 star throughout our experience here. Great cocktails, nice food, all round enjoyable lunch.

  • 2/5 Tim B. 1 year ago on Google
    The two stars are for the food and drinks both tasted pretty good (although the burger was overcooked) The price is high, but that's typically forgiven when service, food, and atmosphere are top notch. However, that's not the case here. The service here is the real shame, slow and forgetful. Afterwards we went to a local pub and gott better drinks at a 1/3 the cost. Don't waste you time (it'll take awhile) or money. They would be well served by actual visiting American Bars and seeing how the best don't let you sit waiting for anything. Travelers in London, you have been warned!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isobel W. 1 year ago on Google
    Fabulous cocktail bar. Great drinks menu and spectacular looking cocktails. Service was amazing too. We didn’t book but got a seat on a Friday evening. Lovely atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam S. 4 years ago on Google
    Was in London with some friends and they wanted to try some traditional British food and we decide to go here as it was the closest to us. I’m pleased to say the food was amazing and cooked to perfection! We decided to have grilled fish instead of the batter and it was fresh, full of flavour and tasty!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel K. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful evening spent celebrating a Birthday. We started with cocktails in the American bar, and to follow a first class meal at the Game Bird. The staff and services was excellent. Highly recommended. Our party will look back at our evening at the Stafford with find memories.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jonathon T. 2 years ago on Google
    I like ice. But your ice cubes are so big I can't drink my drink properly. Otherwise this place is great.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claire D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little sun trap. Food and drinks are 👌🏼
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 RC 1 month ago on Google • 93 reviews New
    St James’s hidden gem, much quieter and more cozy than the other famous American Bar.

  • 4/5 Ale G. 1 month ago on Google • 32 reviews New
    We were trying to find somewhere to have a good cocktail, not too loud with a chilled atmosphere when we came across the American Bar. We found just what we were after, the staff were very friendly and accommodating, cocktails were good and they came with olives and smoked almonds. I recommend it for a night cap in the Center of town, as it stays open slightly later than most places around.

  • 5/5 JP -. 1 month ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    5 stars in all aspects! Superb food with a very professional service. Superb wine list with fair prices. We were there for a business meeting and were recommended the place. This address has become one of our favorite in the Capital. I highly recommend the Rockefeller oysters and the Chicken Caesar Salad with a glass of Au Bon Climat Wild Boy Chardonnay.

  • 4/5 Richard B. 1 year ago on Google • 21 reviews
    The American Bar at The Stafford is a unique and charming venue that offers a truly memorable drinking experience. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a world of aviation-themed elegance, with well-crafted interiors that are both stylish and nostalgic. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, with intricate finishes and cleverly designed spaces. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is another highlight of this bar. They are always on hand to offer recommendations and make you feel welcome, no matter what your drink of choice may be. The drinks themselves are expertly crafted and delicious, with a range of classic and contemporary options to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or a more adventurous drink, the bar has you covered. However, it's worth noting that the cost of the drinks at The American Bar can be on the higher end. While this is to be expected in a venue of this quality and reputation, it may deter some from making frequent visits. Additionally, the bar can be a little difficult to find, especially for those unfamiliar with the hotel. However, this is perhaps a small price to pay for the pleasant experience offered by The American Bar.

  • 5/5 Keval D. 2 years ago on Google
    Cosy & classy. Hidden enough to avoid drawing in riff-raff

  • 3/5 Josh Q. 2 years ago on Google
    Not worth it. For tourists only. Expensive, better food easily found in Soho. The staff were fine and the setting is nice. I wouldn’t recommend or go again unfortunately

  • 1/5 Asta S. 10 months ago on Google
    Do not recommend. Cocktails are too sweet. Staff once given a negative feedback just don’t seem to care and acknowledge. I love whisky sour but here I got sugar syrup with chunk of ice

  • 3/5 Wong J. 5 months ago on Google
    Charged over £20 for a basic cocktail. The outdoor environment was fair but somehow there were so many flies.

  • 1/5 Jeff L. 5 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    I went to the American Bar with my son this evening. We arrived around 11:45pm and the waitress indicated that the bar was closing and we had 15 minutes to order. We sat down and she came over a few minutes later and pushed us for an order. The cocktail menu is extensive and there really was not any time to review it properly. She brought our drinks and then returned at 12:15 and said last orders and we quickly ordered another drink. It turned out that the bar closed at 1:00 but at 12:30 she was closing up around us and then turned off the music. We were misled from the beginning. In summation: the bar decoration is awesome; the drinks are okay and over priced; the service was terrible. It was clear that we were not really welcome and they could not wait to get rid of us. Will likely not return and would not recommend if you want to feel like a valued customer. Thebill was £94:00 for an hour and 4 mediocre drinks.

  • 5/5 James B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lively spot hidden away in the mews of St. James area. Posh yet comfortably informal. American in the manner of days gone by, like The Jockey Club, or the 21. Corporate expense-account guys relaxing. Exquisite drinks. Fish & chips were amazing. Lovely staff.

  • 5/5 Joe S. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been to The American Bar at The Savoy many times and it remains my favorite in the world. With that, The American Bar at The Stafford just entered my top-two list in London for their creativity, service, and charming atmosphere. I look forward to returning and recommend you check it out for yourself. :)

  • 5/5 Eugénie S. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited the American Bar, in August! Since then i am dreaming to go back there and order the same lobster cob! Absolutely yummy, lovely interior and awesome design!

  • 5/5 mariana c. 1 year ago on Google
    Best drinks I've ever had! Must try their expresso martinis and curated cocktail selections. The food is really good too. Friendly staff (:

  • 1/5 Alexis K. 2 years ago on Google
    I used come here regularly as is around the corner from my office, but the service has really gone downhill. I made a reservation for 3 people, the staff would only give me 2 chairs and they wouldn’t give me a third seat. I asked 4 times for a third seat and they ignored me. When I got up to find a spare seat (as my 2 colleagues had arrived and were standing) somebody dressed in a suit claiming to be the manager shouted at me and said ‘those are reserved tables, don’t touch those chairs’. I said well my table was also reserved a week ago and I’ve asked your staff for a spare seat 4 times and he said ‘congratulations, but can’t you see I’m on a phone call and i’m not interested in speaking to you.’ I was really very taken aback. Needless to say we left and went somewhere that wanted our business.

  • 5/5 rbcolor 1 year ago on Google
    Best bar. Best white Russian I ever had. Best service I ever experienced. I had a great time sitting here and just enjoying life, cigars and drinks. The staff here is awesome, especially Matteo is doing a wonderful job. Thanks!

  • 5/5 James Rucci O. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing atmosphere and excellent service. Good place to relax and be with friends.

  • 3/5 Daniel K. 2 years ago on Google
    I was very disappointed with the American Bar, huge reputation. The quality of the food and drink was poor for such an establishment. The service jolly but erratic, to the point where one of the waiters set one of the canopy’s on fire by the outside heater. Things not available on the menu, really unprofessional. For me, this place looks fantastic externally but lacks quality.

  • 2/5 JT G. 1 year ago on Google
    Served by two waiters, one good, one bad! The cocktail tastes just ok, but somewhat overpriced! The worst thing happened when I decided to check out, when I found there is one thing on our bill yet we didn’t order at all! It worth more than 40 pounds. Can’t believe they would make such a huge mistake, really unprofessional!

  • 5/5 Erik A. 2 years ago on Google
    My go-to for a relaxed drink with friends or a business meeting... Good outdoor and indoor space.

  • 5/5 Nicola D. 2 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed a cocktail here on Thursday before lunch at the Game Bird. The selection was absolutely superb and the service excellent! I enjoyed the seasonal Negroni and it was divine! Amazing ambiance and staff. I will definitely return. Thank you!

  • 3/5 Ivo K. 1 year ago on Google
    We had food and drinks here for two people. The cocktails are great and presented very nicely, and there is a good wine list. We shared 3 dishes with two people and that was plenty for us, keeping in mind it is a bar menu. The food was lovely. We sat outside the whole evening, so cannot comment on the atmosphere outside. Would have give a higher ranking if there were not 2 glasses of wine on the bill that we did not consume. So we were almost overpaying £30 if we hadn’t paid attention. Please always check your bill when going here, as I have seen other reviews with similar experience. There was no excuse, and the staff member almost made us feel like we were wrong. Not a good attitude. Cannot say I would recommend.

  • 5/5 Chris H. 2 years ago on Google
    A very excellant bar with stupendious drinks and excellant service. A bit of a hidden gem, and also (though I didn't sit there on this occasion) a decet outside area, too.

  • 5/5 Jen D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great cocktails! Friendly service will be back

  • 2/5 Brian P. 2 years ago on Google
    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 price point.

  • 5/5 Times R. 2 years ago on Google
    The class act of a bar for those in the know. This is for the St. James’s regular business executive; deals are struck over Negronis. In the summer make sure to sit in the courtyard (a former stable mews). This has been a long term Central London fixture and will never disappoint. Wearing a suit to go here is a good idea.

  • 5/5 Tori_Night 3 years ago on Google
    Great bar! Very cosy with a relaxed ambiance. Drinks are a bit pricey, but cocktails have very unique recipes and taste wonderful, not to mention the presentation. The staff are very polite, always with a smile and eager to help! Will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Stephanie C. 3 years ago on Google
    This is such a fabulous bar! They have great ambiance and delicious cocktails. I always enjoy coming here for a martini. It is a little more pricey, but that is expected at an upscale bar! Definitely worth going to.


Call +44 20 7493 0111 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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