Wearing a little black number – Coco Chanel was said to have revered black – and accessorised with squirt of Chanel N°5, I felt elegant. Absolutely fitting for sipping my cocktail named after the great lady herself at what must be one of London’s most sophisticated venues, the St James Bar at the five-star hotel Sofitel London St James.
Modelled on Coco
Chanel’s 1920s Paris apartment, this warm and intimate bar permeates the
essence of French chic. A melange of Shagreen and Kinon topped tables and
French antique furniture is given a contemporary twist with the addition of
modern prints.
Decked out so
tastefully, this sliver of France in London makes you feel as if you
have gone somewhere incredibly special. It is totally relaxing whether
you are on a romantic date or simply there with a friend or even on your own.
The service is exceptional and our waiter was extremely knowledgeable.
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| St James Bar |
The innovative
cocktail menu will have you salivating. Based mainly on icons from the 20th
century including one of our greats Sir Winston Churchill and Ernest
Hemingway the cocktails conjure up the spirit and represent
elements of the lives of these legendary characters with their name, aromas and
flavours and, of course, presentation. Elizabeth ll is also honoured with Sa
Majesté which, if like our Queen, you share her love of gin and Dubonnet, and
you will be seduced.
Cognac and Pernod,
reputed to be the tipples of France’s treasured chanteuse Edith Piaf, form the
basis of La Môme. This black-coloured cocktail, which depicts the simple black
she wore in her shows, is decorated with a rose petal, a nod to the legendary song
La Vie en Rose. This is extremely drinkable and slips down perhaps a bit too
easily according to my companion.
A devotee of
fizz, the complex character of Marilyn Monroe is epitomised with a
champagne-based concoction that even has apple velouté to mimic the exact green
shade of her favourite Emilio Pucci frock. Adding the finishing touch is trio
of red rose petals, a nod to the roses that Joe DiMaggio, her former husband,
brought to her grave for 20 years after her death. The Blonde Bombshell certainly
lives up to its name.
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| Madame Bonheur |
From Frank Sinatra
who was honoured by in the form of the Sultan of Swing to Sir Winston
Churchill’s aptly named drink, the British Bulldog, it really was a quandary
what to choose from the eight specialities, although I tend to stay away from
those with whisky and gin and opt for drinks such as the Miss Mistinguett.
Paying homage to the
French actress and singer Mistinguett, (née Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois), a
regular on the stage of the Moulin Rouge in the 1920s, this
delightful mix of Leblon Cachaca, St Germain, Cointreau with a dash of lemon
juice and gomme syrup topped with a lemon froth conjures up the spirit of this
lady.
Being a fan of Coco
Chanel’s style, I had to plump for the Madame Bonheur. Champagne is
spiced up with St Germain Elderberry liqueur, Kummel along with a special
cordial created by the bar team to replica the main ingredients of
Chanel N°5. Served in smart black flutes, I’m sure, like me, the great lady
would have been duly impressed with this unusual and pleasing concoction being
served in such a wonderful ambience.
By Daralyn Danns
For more information
about the St James Bar at the Sofitel London St James visit www.sofitel.com
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