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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
