Friday 29 May 2015

Cocktails at St James Bar, The Sofitel London St James



One of my favourite places in London to go for cocktails is the St James Bar at the Sofitel London St James. It always makes me feel as if I have gone somewhere extra special.

Modelled on Coco Chanel’s 1920s Paris apartment, modern prints slot in with French antique furniture to make it feel contemporary.  

The bar snacks are so moorish and the service is exceptional. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable guiding my friend and I through the new spring and summer cocktail collection influenced by the life of the great lady herself.



L’Ossessione




When the creations were being concocted, the bar staff studied the films that they thought might have entertained her during her rise to fame.

Obviously, there was some poetic licence when they conjured up their drinks. The ones I tried were outstanding and paid homage to Mademoiselle Chanel ‘s impeccable taste.

Enticed with names such as Under Capricorn, taking its name from Alfred’s Hitchcock’s 1949 film and Piccadilly, a British silent drama, the menu spoils you for choice.



Spring in Rio



I plumped for L’Ossessione, which is named after the renowned 1943 movie directed by Luchino Visconti. This take on the Italian classic, the Bellini has a hint of black pepper which gives this rather sophisticated drink a kick. This went down a little bit too well so it was time to try another.

My friend went for Spring in Rio. Just the name transports you to a world of glamour and excitement. This cocktail with refreshing sweet and sour tangs has been given a touch of France by adding a Sauterne foam.

A Propos de Nice was the one that tempted me. It may have been inspired by a 1930s silent documentary film, but this gin-based cocktail with fresh flavours of raspberry syrup and lemon juice brought back memories of holidays there. 




A Propos de Nice




If you are a vodka fan be seduced by the Madame Butterfly, or if you like tequila then a Pueblo Legend named after the movie starring Mary Pickford might be more to your taste.  

This list is an interesting take on the usual cocktail list.  And you should have plenty of fun discovering it. Each one sparked an interesting topic of conversation.

If having  packed away more than the day’s recommended calorie count  while soaking up the atmosphere in this bar or you feel peckish and do not want anything too rich, go to the hotel’s buzzy restaurant, The Balcon  to try the De-Light menu. 

Designed with health and wellness in mind, you can have a three-course meal for around 500 calories. Who says you cannot have your cake and eat it?

By Daralyn Danns

For more information about the Sofitel visit www.sofitelstjames.com