There is always an element of theatre in a good bar, the dazzle of lights bouncing off a mixing glass, the rows of bottles lining the back bar like so many punters, the deft drama of the barkeep shaking a cocktail to his own overture. But the Beaufort Bar actually is a theatre, or was, back when it was the renowned cabaret stage at The Savoy, where the composer George Gershwin was known to strike up the band from time to time. When the hotel was renovated and reopened a decade ago, it was transformed into this glamorous Art Deco bar, all darkly gleaming in black and gold, perhaps the most romantic saloon in all of London.
The Beaufort Bar is known for its selection of vintage Champagne, its nightly live music and its gorgeous cocktail menu, a limited-edition pop-up book of hand-drawn illustrations. Led by head bartender Elon Soddu and senior bartender Jo Last, the entire team creates imaginative drinks that are all about the drama, and not a little magic.
Vancouverites can sip of these dark arts later this year, when the Beaufort Bar is scheduled to bring its Interpreted Magic menu to the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
For info, visit botanistrestaurant.com; for more on the Beaufort Bar, go to fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/beaufortbar.
