Strand Palace has launched a new cocktail menu, celebrating the history of the hotel.
The hotel site was originally the Exeter Exchange in the 17th century, a bustling commercial hub of shops and offices with an exotic animal menagerie on the top floor. The location then became Exeter Hall in 1823, a prominent venue for social reform and pivotal historical moments.
In 1909, Strand Palace Hotel was opened by the Salmon and Gluckstein families. Key shareholder J.Lyons & Co expanded the property by purchasing the adjoining Haxells family hotel. In the late 1920s, British Architect Oliver Bernard redesigned the hotel in the art deco style, which was once again renovated in 2020 to a modern, elegant style and finish alongside a rebrand from the Strand Palace Hotel to Strand Palace.
The new cocktail menu takes guests through the rich history of London, and each drink is crafted to reflect significant events and eras connected to Strand Palace and its surroundings.
The Escaped Baboon (£16): This cocktail is inspired by an 18th century incident when a baboon escaped from the Exeter Exchange menagerie, causing quite a stir in London. The drink combines Kraken Spiced Rum, banana syrup, pineapple & ginger shrub, lime, pineapple juice, and banana chips, creating a wild and unpredictable flavour profile. The menagerie, which included tigers, lions, elephants, and baboons, was a notable attraction for visitors.
The Last Word (£16): This cocktail pays tribute to Exeter Hall’s role in the abolition of slavery. The blend of mezcal, green chartreuse, and maraschino cherry reflects the spirit of social reform and progress that Exeter Hall symbolised during the 19th century.
The Lost Keys (£15): Reflecting the era of World War I, this cocktail features vodka, yuzu, dry martini, and Italicus. It is inspired by the American soldiers who stayed at Strand Palace, finding camaraderie and hope amidst the war.
The Oliver Bernard (£15): Named after the architect Oliver Bernard, who played a significant role in the design of Strand Palace, this cocktail features Dead Man’s Fingers Coconut Rum, Wray & Nephew Rum, pineapple & ginger shrub, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut syrup. The drink is designed to reflect the elegance and creativity of the Art Deco era and Bernard’s architectural contributions.
The Missing Evidence (£16): This cocktail is based on a true story from February 1946, when staff at Strand Palace discovered Neville Heath standing over a young woman named Pauline Brees. Heath, a notorious figure, was later involved in the murder of Margery Gardner. The drink, combining dark and complex flavors, connects Strand Palace to this historical event and the trial that followed.
The Powder Room (£17): This drink commemorates the introduction of ensuite bathrooms at the hotel in 1958, marking a significant improvement in guest comfort. The cocktail features Whitley Neil Parma Violet, rose shrub, Everleaf Mountain, jasmine syrup, and rhubarb lemonade, reflecting mid-20th century luxury and innovation.
For guests who prefer non-alcoholic options, the new menu includes several mocktails with historical themes, including:
The Winter Garden (£12): Inspired by the Winter Garden Restaurant, which hosted up to 500 guests under a glass dome ceiling, this mocktail blends lavender syrup, Seedlip Spice, and rhubarb lemonade, offering a taste of tranquility and natural serenity.
The Viewing Gallery (£12): This mocktail combines Everleaf Mountain, Seedlip Spice, Monin Raspberry Syrup, cranberry juice, elderflower cordial, and lime. It offers a vibrant and refreshing experience, reminiscent of the panoramic views once enjoyed from the hotel.
The Ration Card (£12): Reflecting the resourcefulness of wartime, this mocktail uses simple, flavourful ingredients to evoke a sense of nostalgia and resilience, capturing the spirit of innovation during challenging times.
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