London’s Art Deco Drinking Spots

As one of the most influential art movements in modern times, art deco has come to represent style, sophistication, and glamour. Born in 1920s France, the bold style quickly took root around the world and was a dominant force in art, culture, and architecture throughout the 1930s. Nearly 80 years after its heyday, art deco is still alive and well in cities such as Miami, New York, and London. New York may lay claim to the most famous art deco buildings in its skyline, but London is leading the way in art deco bars. A sophisticated alternative to the blaring night clubs of Soho, London’s beautiful art deco bars allow you to relive the glamour of the 20s and 30s.

Beaufort Bar, The Savoy Hotel

Opened in 1889, The Savoy Hotel was Britain’s first luxury hotel and remains the most famous and prestigious hotel in London. The Beaufort Bar is a relatively new addition to the Savoy, but has been done up in full art deco flair. Black and gold dominate this dark, smouldering space where you can sip on any one of 27 champagnes on the menu whilst enjoying a bit of authentic 1930s-style cabaret.

China Tang, The Dorchester

Taking its cue from 1930s pre-revolution Shanghai, China Tang is a favourite celebrity hotspot with past patrons including Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, and Princess Beatrice. The first thing you notice as you step into this restaurant and bar is the intricately carved dark wood that adorns the entire space. The bar is impressive, featuring authentic art deco lamps and leather stools. The cocktail menu pays homage to the bar’s Chinese inspiration, and includes Asian-inspired drink like the Jasmine Martini and the Chai Whiskey Smash.

Claridge’s Bar, Claridge’s

Claridge’s, a luxury hotel in Mayfair puts its own elegant spin on art deco in its bar. Beyond the hotel’s lavish and extravagant lobby, Claridge’s Bar looks like its come right out of the Great Gatsby with high leather stools, marble floors, and a glass-backed bar. Sumptuous, elegant, and inviting, the bar specialises in vintage champagne. It also has an impressive collection of whiskeys, including a 60-year-old Macallan Scotch whiskey.

Good Godfrey’s Bar and Lounge, The Waldorf Hilton

Named after the bandleader of the Waldorf’s original house band in the 1920s, Howard Godfrey would have been proud to play at this bar. Staying true to its art deco theme, patrons can choose from a wide selection of forgotten classics, many of which were created in the 1920s and 1930s. Of particular note is the Clover Club, which was featured in ‘The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book” from 1935. It consists of gin, raspberry syrup, egg white, lemon juice, and is shaken with fresh raspberries.

The Rivoli Bar, The Ritz London

The Ritz London is over-the-top to say the least and this 5* hotel’s bar is completely decked out in opulent art deco furnishings and decor. The Rivoli bar is a symphony of gold leaf, alabaster, camphor, and satinwood. Dim lighting adds to the 1930s atmosphere here, as does the flowing champagne and cocktails. Among the various creative concoctions the bartenders serve, the bar’s menu has a ‘Legend’ section, which includes drink popularised in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The art deco-inspired 1920s and 1930s will always stand out as a glamorous age. All across the world bars were abuzz with the sounds of cabaret acts and big bands, as dancing and drinks lasted until dawn. While it may not be possible to step back in time, London’s art deco bars take you as close as you can get in the modern day to the opulence and glamour of this amazing era.

Sources:

Click to access GGBL%20Evening.pdf

http://www.theritzlondon.com/rivoliBar/

http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/beaufortbar/

http://www.londonartdecosociety.co.uk/#/bars/4556645402

About the Author

Brad Riley is a US based avid bar tourist who loves to discover the best drinking spots all over the world.