Some places don't just serve drinks—they preserve history. These bars have survived changing fashions, eras, and even Prohibition, becoming meeting places for actors, writers, musicians, and directors. Their bars have heard more secrets, debates, and toasts than most theaters have applause. We invite you to journey through the most iconic places.
Europe
Harry's Bar, Venice (founded 1931)
The birthplace of the Bellini (1948) and carpaccio (circa 1950), created by Giuseppe Cipriani for a countess who couldn't eat hot food. Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, Truman Capote, and Peggy Guggenheim all frequented the place. The white tablecloths, polished wood, and golden light remain unchanged from its golden age.
American Bar, Savoy Hotel, London (since 1893)
One of the most influential bars in the world. In the early 1900s, Ada Coleman created the Hanky Panky cocktail here; later, Harry Craddock wrote The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930). In 1969, Joe Gilmore created the Moonwalk cocktail in honor of the Apollo 11 mission. Regulars included Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich, and Frank Sinatra. A dry martini here is more of a ceremony than a cocktail.
Hemingway Bar, Ritz Paris (a 20th-century legend)
Famously "liberated" by Ernest Hemingway in 1944, the romanticized story adds to its charm. It's famous for the Ritz Sidecar cocktail, made with rare pre-war cognac that was once one of the most expensive in the world. Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Princess Diana all sipped here.
Dukes Bar, London (Ian Fleming's favourite haunt)
A small room lined with books, where martinis are served ice-cold, straight from frozen bottles. Ian Fleming visited here in the 1950s; the ritual is said to have inspired him to "shake, not stir." The bar continues to attract actors and directors seeking quiet sophistication.
America
La Floridita, Havana (founded in 1817)
"The cradle of the daiquiri," especially the frozen version perfected by bartender Constante Ribalaigua Vert in the 1930s. Ernest Hemingway ordered his "double" here. The marble bar, pink neon, and bronze statue of "The Pope"—the decor hasn't changed in decades.
The Old Absinthe House, New Orleans (since 1806)
A fixture in the French Quarter, where absinthe was served under gaslights to the likes of Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and P.T. Barnum. Steeped in 19th-century atmosphere, it still attracts musicians and actors seeking something authentic.
Musso & Frank Bar and Grill, Hollywood (est. 1919)
A Hollywood institution beloved by Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, William Faulkner, and Raymond Chandler, Quentin Tarantino is a modern regular. They serve impeccable martinis, and their red leather booths have appeared in countless films.
Bemelmans Bar, The Carlyle, New York (murals painted 1947)
The walls, painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of Madeline, depict whimsical views of Central Park. Live jazz and candlelit tables have welcomed generations of artists, from Broadway legends to Met Gala guests.
21 Club, New York (Prohibition-era history)
A former speakeasy with a secret wine cellar hidden behind a false door, it once hosted US presidents, movie stars, and publishing magnates. Although it has been closed since 2020, its entrance, shaped like a jockey statue, remains iconic.
Dante, New York (founded 1915; revived in the 2010s)
An Italian café reborn as a world-class bar, it won the "World's Best Bar" award in 2019 and 2020. Renowned for its many variations of the Negroni cocktail and its sunny, lively atmosphere, it's a popular spot for comedians, actors, and musicians after their shows.
Asia and Oceania
Long Bar, Raffles, Singapore (since 1915)
The birthplace of the Singapore Sling, created by Ngiam Tong Boon, the tradition of serving peanut shells on the floor dates back to colonial times. Writers like Somerset Maugham and pop icons on tour stopped here to enjoy this ritual.
The Peninsula Bar, Hong Kong (an elite haven)
A cult of colonial elegance, it welcomes film stars, fashion house representatives, and touring musicians. Its views of Victoria Harbor, strict dress code, and discreet service make it a magnet for premieres and afterparties.
Tips from locals: How to feel like a local
– Book in advance: Celebrity viewing peaks in the early and late evenings, before and after premieres.
– Observe the dress code: sneakers and shorts may prevent you from attending classic films. – Order a signature cocktail: a Bellini in Venice, a Singapore Sling in Singapore, a Hunky Punky in London, a Daiquiri in Havana – feel the soul of the place.
– Observe the ritual: in historic bars, rhythm is part of the magic – let the moment linger.
– Take a seat at the bar: that’s where the conversations and stories happen.
Some places don't just serve drinks—they preserve history. These bars have survived changing fashions, eras, and even Prohibition, becoming meeting places for actors, writers, musicians, and directors. Their bars have heard more secrets, debates, and toasts than most theaters have applause. We invite you to journey through the most iconic places.
Europe
Harry's Bar, Venice (founded 1931)
The birthplace of the Bellini (1948) and carpaccio (circa 1950), created by Giuseppe Cipriani for a countess who couldn't eat hot food. Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, Truman Capote, and Peggy Guggenheim all frequented the place. The white tablecloths, polished wood, and golden light remain unchanged from its golden age.
American Bar, Savoy Hotel, London (since 1893)
One of the most influential bars in the world. In the early 1900s, Ada Coleman created the Hanky Panky cocktail here; later, Harry Craddock wrote The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930). In 1969, Joe Gilmore created the Moonwalk cocktail in honor of the Apollo 11 mission. Regulars included Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich, and Frank Sinatra. A dry martini here is more of a ceremony than a cocktail.
Hemingway Bar, Ritz Paris (a 20th-century legend)
Famously "liberated" by Ernest Hemingway in 1944, the romanticized story adds to its charm. It's famous for the Ritz Sidecar cocktail, made with rare pre-war cognac that was once one of the most expensive in the world. Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Princess Diana all sipped here.
Dukes Bar, London (Ian Fleming's favourite haunt)
A small room lined with books, where martinis are served ice-cold, straight from frozen bottles. Ian Fleming visited here in the 1950s; the ritual is said to have inspired him to "shake, not stir." The bar continues to attract actors and directors seeking quiet sophistication.
America
La Floridita, Havana (founded in 1817)
"The cradle of the daiquiri," especially the frozen version perfected by bartender Constante Ribalaigua Vert in the 1930s. Ernest Hemingway ordered his "double" here. The marble bar, pink neon, and bronze statue of "The Pope"—the decor hasn't changed in decades.
The Old Absinthe House, New Orleans (since 1806)
A fixture in the French Quarter, where absinthe was served under gaslights to the likes of Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and P.T. Barnum. Steeped in 19th-century atmosphere, it still attracts musicians and actors seeking something authentic.
Musso & Frank Bar and Grill, Hollywood (est. 1919)
A Hollywood institution beloved by Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, William Faulkner, and Raymond Chandler, Quentin Tarantino is a modern regular. They serve impeccable martinis, and their red leather booths have appeared in countless films.
Bemelmans Bar, The Carlyle, New York (murals painted 1947)
The walls, painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of Madeline, depict whimsical views of Central Park. Live jazz and candlelit tables have welcomed generations of artists, from Broadway legends to Met Gala guests.
21 Club, New York (Prohibition-era history)
A former speakeasy with a secret wine cellar hidden behind a false door, it once hosted US presidents, movie stars, and publishing magnates. Although it has been closed since 2020, its entrance, shaped like a jockey statue, remains iconic.
Dante, New York (founded 1915; revived in the 2010s)
An Italian café reborn as a world-class bar, it won the "World's Best Bar" award in 2019 and 2020. Renowned for its many variations of the Negroni cocktail and its sunny, lively atmosphere, it's a popular spot for comedians, actors, and musicians after their shows.
Asia and Oceania
Long Bar, Raffles, Singapore (since 1915)
The birthplace of the Singapore Sling, created by Ngiam Tong Boon, the tradition of serving peanut shells on the floor dates back to colonial times. Writers like Somerset Maugham and pop icons on tour stopped here to enjoy this ritual.
The Peninsula Bar, Hong Kong (an elite haven)
A cult of colonial elegance, it welcomes film stars, fashion house representatives, and touring musicians. Its views of Victoria Harbor, strict dress code, and discreet service make it a magnet for premieres and afterparties.
Tips from locals: How to feel like a local
– Book in advance: Celebrity viewing peaks in the early and late evenings, before and after premieres.
– Observe the dress code: sneakers and shorts may prevent you from attending classic films. – Order a signature cocktail: a Bellini in Venice, a Singapore Sling in Singapore, a Hunky Punky in London, a Daiquiri in Havana – feel the soul of the place.
– Observe the ritual: in historic bars, rhythm is part of the magic – let the moment linger.
– Take a seat at the bar: that’s where the conversations and stories happen.