SAVOY
MEET THE BARSTEAM
HEAD BARTENDER ERIK LORINCZ AT THE AMERICAN BAR
to drink, and created drinks based around that. It’s really about
“We have a duty to protect what The Savoy is, but also to bring
storytelling and engagement with the guests and bringing the bar
it into the world we’re in today,” agrees Anna. “It’s such an iconic
to the table.”
landmark that means so much to so many people, and gets passed
Both destinations have accumulated a number of accolades over
down from generation to generation, but it’s also really important
the years. The Beaufort Bar was awarded the coveted title of Best
to keep pushing it to be the best it can possibly be, and do things
International Hotel Bar at Tales of the Cocktail 2015, whereas the
that some people might not have thought of.”
American Bar picked up World’s Best Hotel Bar at these same awards in 2011, as well as Best Bar in the Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards. Elsewhere, Erik – a globally renowned barman himself, and only
One such example is Age of Discovery, a specially-created, barrel-aged, limited-edition brew that travelled 41,000 nautical miles on a four-month voyage around the globe. Teaming up with
the 11th head bartender at The Savoy in its 127-year history –
British-American cruise line Cunard, the Beaufort Bar’s Neil Donachie
was officially recognised as Best International Bartender at Tales of
spearheaded the pioneering spirit, which set sail on the RMS Queen
the Cocktail in 2011. It’s all in a day’s work, as Declan and Anna
Mary 2 earlier this year, encased in a 300-litre Jack Daniel’s barrel.
stand united in moving their respective places into the future,
“The Savoy’s always been known for innovation,” Anna reflects.
without compromising on, or losing sight of, what’s come before.
“It was the first hotel to do a lot of ground-breaking things,
“Protecting and preserving is very important,” Declan insists. “As
all of which defined what it is and was, and now it’s about us
custodians, it’s really important that we maintain what the American
writing the next bit of history. We have the foundations, but it’s our
Bar is and represents. To try and change it for change’s sake would
responsibility to keep on pushing the rules and do ground-breaking
be wrong, so maintaining that, while at the same time doing
things in order for it to continue being The Savoy.”
creative, innovative things that ensure this bar stays at the forefront
To that end, both remain resolute in pursuing exciting ideas to
is also important, because it’s been in that position for 100 years.”
wow every patron who pulls up a chair. From the American Bar’s
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