Ada Coleman and the Savoy’s American Bar

Feb 5, 2025

Discover the trailblazing journey of Ada Coleman, a pioneering female bartender at the Savoy’s American Bar. She crafted the iconic Hanky Panky cocktail, defying gender norms in a male-dominated industry. The podcast dives into her challenges and triumphs, exploring the struggles faced by barmaids in the early 1900s. Learn about the professional rivalries that shaped the atmosphere at the Savoy and the lasting impact of Coleman's legacy on cocktail culture. It's a fascinating look at resilience, innovation, and the evolution of bartending.

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ANECDOTE

Ada Coleman and the American Bar

Ada Coleman, a prominent figure in London's bar scene during the early 20th century, served as head bartender at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar.
Known as "Coley," she was renowned for her cocktail creations and her ability to connect with famous patrons.

INSIGHT

Women in Bars: A Contentious Issue

In the early 1900s, the role of women in bars was a contentious issue, with some advocating for their removal due to perceived moral hazards.
Despite this environment, Ada Coleman thrived, becoming a beloved figure in London's bar scene.

ANECDOTE

The Dual Nature of Barmaids

Hiring women as barmaids had two main advantages for bar owners: attracting male patrons and making the establishment seem more respectable to women.
However, women faced long hours, little protection, and potential harassment.

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Ada Coleman was head bartender at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London in the early 20th century. She created a cocktail that is still served today, and she's an enduring icon of the bartending industry.

Research:

The Ada Coleman Project. https://theadacolemanproject.com/about/
Allison, Keith. “Spies at the Savoy Part One.” Alcohol Professor. Oct. 5, 2016. https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/blog/2016/10/05/spies-at-the-savoy-part-one
Allison, Keith. “Spies at the Savoy Part Three.” Alcohol Professor. October 14, 2016. https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/blog/2016/10/14/spies-at-the-savoy-part-three
“American Bar.” Savoy London. https://www.thesavoylondon.com/restaurant/american-bar/#:~:text=The%20American%20Bar%20first%20opened,World's%2050%20Best%20Bars%202017.
Bell, Emily. “Ada Coleman: One Of History’s Most Famous Female Mixologists.” Vinepair. March 17, 2016. https://vinepair.com/wine-blog/ada-coleman/
Bryant, Miranda. “Savoy’s American Bar appoints first woman as head bartender in 95 years.” Aug. 6, 2021. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/aug/06/savoy-american-bar-appoints-first-woman-as-head-bartender-in-95-years
Haigh, Ted. “Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie 100 Rediscovered Recipes and the Stories Behind Them.” Quarry Books. 2009.
Hotel and Restaurant Employee's International Alliance and Bartenders' International League of America. “The Mixer and Server.” Volume 35. 1926. Accessed online: https://books.google.com/books?id=OcyfAAAAMAAJ&vq=adah+coleman&source=gbs_navlinks_s
O’Meara, Mallory. “Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol.“ Hanover Square Press. 2021.
“Rupert D’Oyly Carte Dies in London at 71.” The Gazette. Sept. 13, 1948. https://www.newspapers.com/image/421220764/?clipping_id=50107862&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjQyMTIyMDc2NCwiaWF0IjoxNzM3NDAwMDEwLCJleHAiOjE3Mzc0ODY0MTB9.mS2TE4P7Mv_3uB3wevRSJpZDPZYy2a-e7eyG-Hk10Ds
Saunders, Minott. “Famous Bar Maids Who Worked at Same Bar Twenty Years Without Speaking , Retire.” The Aspen Daily Times. February 16, 1926. https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=ADT19260216.2.2&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN%7ctxCO%7ctxTA--------0------
Styn, Rebecca. “Toast to Ada Coleman, National Women’s History Month.” Chilled. https://chilledmagazine.com/toast-to-ada-coleman-national-womens-history-month/
Sutcliffe, Theodora. “Ada Coleman.” Difford’s Guide. https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/2857/people/ada-coleman
“Women as Barmaids: Published for the Joint Committee on the Employment of Barmaids.” King Publishing. London. 1905. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=B-VNAQAAMAAJ&rdid=book-B-VNAQAAMAAJ&rdot=1

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