The Stafford, 16-18 Saint James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ
Harden's survey result
Summary
Ties festooned from the ceiling is the signature look of this veteran St James’s location, which makes a civilised launch-pad for an evening in the West End. With help from the menu – well-rated in reports – offering light US-inspired bites (ribs, jambalaya prawns, mac ’n’ cheese).
Summary
The “great vibe” created by its tranquil St James’s location and retro Americana helps create a feeling of luxurious nostalgia at this long-standing fixture. The menu has been usefully re-imagined in recent times and has a heartier, more distinctive US spin (steaks, dogs, pastrami rolls) than it did of old.
Summary
“A quick lunchtime drink can turn into several hours of cocktails and delightful bites” at this St James’s institution: “a bar full of Americana and with staff who put on a great show of mixology”. The Med-inspired brasserie menu is arguably “limited” but suits the venue, which is a “very buzzy” and “efficiently run” space.
Summary
This St James’s institution is a survivor of the American bars which sprang up in grand hotels throughout Europe from the 1920s, and serves a Med-inspired brasserie menu. It has retained a vast collection of flags and mementos over the years, and the adjacent cobbled courtyard (where there’s a summer BBQ) “is a gem – perfect for relaxed business gatherings or a friendly meal”.
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Have you eaten at The American Bar, The Stafford?
Owner's description
The American Bar belongs to the great tradition of the American cocktail bars that became renowned during the 1920s and 30s, and remains one of the longest surviving American bars in London. Soak up the history with the intriguing collection of artefacts and signed celebrity photographs donated by patrons and guests over the years whilst you relax with a specialty cocktail from the extensive and impressive drinks menu.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The Stafford, 16-18 Saint James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑12 am |
