Over a century ago, British theatrical impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte was so taken by the luxury hotels in the United States that he returned to Britain to establish the Savoy, the country’s first purpose-built luxury hotel, in 1889.
To complement its high-end experience, the Savoy introduced the American Bar, designed specifically for American visitors. This venue has since attracted iconic figures like Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe.
Today, with numerous culinary awards, guidebooks, and TV shows promoting local cuisine, savoring regional flavors has become a central aspect of travel. However, just as patrons of the American Bar sought familiar comforts, many travelers continue to crave the tastes of home, and there’s a valid reason for this.
“The Savoy was the first luxury hotel in London, aimed at discerning American travelers,” explains Andrea Di Chiara, bar manager of the renowned establishment, which remains London’s longest-running cocktail bar and was named the world’s best bar in 2017. “The American Bar opened as an extension of that ideology and continues to attract an international crowd.”
It’s no surprise that both high-end and casual dining venues are catering to travelers yearning for familiar flavors, tapping into the homesick or those simply seeking a taste of comfort while abroad.
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