From escaped baboons, anti-abolishment movements, missing evidence for a murder trial and more, Strand Palace launches a new cocktail menu that documents its fascinating chapters of history from the 17th-century to modern day.
An excerpt from the beginning of the menu
An Evolution of Commerce, Industry & Architecture
The hotel's original site was the Exeter Exchange in the 17th-century, a bustling commercial hub of shops, offices and an exotic animal menagerie on the top floor.
The location then became Exeter Hall in 1823, a prominent venue for social reform, anti-abolishment movements and pivotal historical moments.
In 1909, Strand Palace Hotel was opened by the Salmon and Gluckstein families - and popular Bakewell tart brand J.Lyons & Co was a key shareholder that purchased the adjoining Haxells family hotel to expand and improve the hotel.
In the late 1920s, British Architect Oliver Bernard redesigned the hotel in the art deco style and the hotel was once again renovated in 2020 to a modern, elegant style and finish with a rebrand from the Strand Palace Hotel to Strand Palace.
The hotel's original site was the Exeter Exchange in the 17th-century, a bustling commercial hub of shops, offices and an exotic animal menagerie on the top floor.
The location then became Exeter Hall in 1823, a prominent venue for social reform, anti-abolishment movements and pivotal historical moments.
In 1909, Strand Palace Hotel was opened by the Salmon and Gluckstein families - and popular Bakewell tart brand J.Lyons & Co was a key shareholder that purchased the adjoining Haxells family hotel to expand and improve the hotel.
In the late 1920s, British Architect Oliver Bernard redesigned the hotel in the art deco style and the hotel was once again renovated in 2020 to a modern, elegant style and finish with a rebrand from the Strand Palace Hotel to Strand Palace.
Explore The Cocktails
The Escaped Baboon (£16): Delve into the chaos of the 18th-century with this adventurous mix of Kraken Spiced Rum, banana syrup, pineapple & ginger shrub, lime, pineapple juice, and banana chips. Inspired by the notorious incident of the baboon escaping from the Exeter Exchange menagerie, this cocktail is as wild and unpredictable as the tale itself.
The Escaped Baboon (£16): Delve into the chaos of the 18th-century with this adventurous mix of Kraken Spiced Rum, banana syrup, pineapple & ginger shrub, lime, pineapple juice, and banana chips. Inspired by the notorious incident of the baboon escaping from the Exeter Exchange menagerie, this cocktail is as wild and unpredictable as the tale itself.
The Escaped Baboon: From tigers, lions, elephants and baboons, the menagerie at Exeter Exchange was a popular attraction for guests visiting the site in London.
The Last Word (£16): Unearth the echoes of social reform with this compelling blend of mezcal, green chartreuse, and maraschino cherry. This cocktail pays homage to Exeter Hall’s critical role in the abolition of slavery, capturing the spirit of progress and change.
The Lost Keys (£15): Journey back to World War I with this evocative cocktail featuring vodka, yuzu, dry martini, and Italicus. Inspired by the American soldiers who found solace at Strand Palace, this drink is a tribute to their stories of camaraderie and hope amidst the turmoil.
The Oliver Bernard (£15): Step into the Art Deco era with this sophisticated mix of Dead Man Coconut Rum, Wray & Nephew Rum, pineapple & ginger shrub, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut syrup. Named after the visionary architect Oliver Bernard, this cocktail reflects the elegance and creativity of Strand Palace’s stunning architecture.
Father & Son (£17): In the era of coal boilers, our hotel operated with two 12-hour shifts. Legend has it that a father and son once worked opposite shifts, only sharing 30 minutes a day with one another.
The Missing Evidence (£16): In February of 1946, Strand Palace staff were alerted by screams and forced entry into a room where a man named Neville Heath was stood over a young woman named Pauline Brees. Heath was known to seduce his victims with money and tales of wartime.The murder of Margery Gardner took place in June, and staff at Strand Palace were asked to identify the body and mistakenly, they identified it as Pauline Brees.
The Lost Keys (£15): Journey back to World War I with this evocative cocktail featuring vodka, yuzu, dry martini, and Italicus. Inspired by the American soldiers who found solace at Strand Palace, this drink is a tribute to their stories of camaraderie and hope amidst the turmoil.
The Oliver Bernard (£15): Step into the Art Deco era with this sophisticated mix of Dead Man Coconut Rum, Wray & Nephew Rum, pineapple & ginger shrub, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut syrup. Named after the visionary architect Oliver Bernard, this cocktail reflects the elegance and creativity of Strand Palace’s stunning architecture.
Father & Son (£17): In the era of coal boilers, our hotel operated with two 12-hour shifts. Legend has it that a father and son once worked opposite shifts, only sharing 30 minutes a day with one another.
The Missing Evidence (£16): In February of 1946, Strand Palace staff were alerted by screams and forced entry into a room where a man named Neville Heath was stood over a young woman named Pauline Brees. Heath was known to seduce his victims with money and tales of wartime.The murder of Margery Gardner took place in June, and staff at Strand Palace were asked to identify the body and mistakenly, they identified it as Pauline Brees.
The Missing Evidence - A true story of murder and deception that connects Strand Palace to the trial of Margery Gardner in 1946.
The Powder Room (£17): Experience mid-20th century luxury with this signature drink combining Whitley Neil Parma Violet, rose shrub, Everleaf Mountain, jasmine syrup, and rhubarb lemonade. Commemorating the introduction of ensuite bathrooms in 1958, this cocktail is a nod to innovation and comfort.
The Mocktails
For those seeking non-alcoholic adventures, our mocktails offer equally intriguing stories:
The Winter Garden (£12): Inspired by the tranquil Winter Garden Restaurant that hosted up to 500 guests under a glass dome ceiling, this mocktail blends seasonal fruits and herbs, offering a refreshing escape into nature’s serenity.
The Mocktails
For those seeking non-alcoholic adventures, our mocktails offer equally intriguing stories:
The Winter Garden (£12): Inspired by the tranquil Winter Garden Restaurant that hosted up to 500 guests under a glass dome ceiling, this mocktail blends seasonal fruits and herbs, offering a refreshing escape into nature’s serenity.
The Winter Garden - Lavender Syrup, Seedlip Spiced and Rhubarb Lemonade.
The Viewing Gallery (£12): Everleaf Mountain, Seedlip Spiced, Monin Raspberry Syrup, Cranberry Juice, Elderflower Cordial and Lime
The Ration Card (£12): Reflecting the ingenuity of wartime, this mocktail combines simple, flavourful ingredients to evoke a sense of nostalgia and resilience.
All mocktails can also have a house spirit added (+£4)
The Ration Card (£12): Reflecting the ingenuity of wartime, this mocktail combines simple, flavourful ingredients to evoke a sense of nostalgia and resilience.
All mocktails can also have a house spirit added (+£4)
A sneak peak of the new printed menu at Gin Palace
Happy Hour - Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 6pm
In April, Gin Palace launched a Happy Hour, of buy one drink, get the second drink half price. The new cocktail menu will include the following new cocktails in the happy hour offering:
The Escaped Baboon
The Actor's Muse
The Missing Evidence
The Oliver Bernard
The Winter Garden - Mocktail
The Escaped Baboon
The Actor's Muse
The Missing Evidence
The Oliver Bernard
The Winter Garden - Mocktail
Additional Notes:
- Gin Palace is open Monday to Saturday at Strand Palace from 4pm to 1am.
- In April, they launched a Happy Hour, of buy one drink, get the second drink half price. The new cocktail menu will include drinks in the happy hour offering.
- As Strand Palace receives a large number of enquiries of souvenirs and mementos of their stay and connection to the past, guests will be able to purchase one of these new menu brochures as a souvenir of their time at Strand Palace.
- Strand Palace has a large number of guests who are loyal fans of the hotel as a result of its history, legacy and connection to its guests, with a particular emphasis on incredible customer service.
- We receive many messages, emails and comments online from guests who have celebrated special milestones with us and have original copies of their menus and receipts. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these stories connected to history too.
- In April, they launched a Happy Hour, of buy one drink, get the second drink half price. The new cocktail menu will include drinks in the happy hour offering.
- As Strand Palace receives a large number of enquiries of souvenirs and mementos of their stay and connection to the past, guests will be able to purchase one of these new menu brochures as a souvenir of their time at Strand Palace.
- Strand Palace has a large number of guests who are loyal fans of the hotel as a result of its history, legacy and connection to its guests, with a particular emphasis on incredible customer service.
- We receive many messages, emails and comments online from guests who have celebrated special milestones with us and have original copies of their menus and receipts. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these stories connected to history too.
- Gin Palace offers a Food Menu to accompany the drinks from salt & pepper squid, wild mushroom arancini to sharing boards of charcuterie.
- To provide better value for money for guests, Strand Palace is offering 20% off the Theatre Afternoon Tea and Pre-Theatre Menu until August 31st 2024.
- The hotel features Classic Single bedrooms as well as Double Rooms, with the King Bedrooms including a full-stocked complimentary minibar with artisan food and drink treats of wine, popcorn, crisps, beer and chocolates.
Launch Offer of 20% Off Total Bill - Until July 31st 2024
To celebrate the launch of the new cocktail menu, Gin Palace will offer 20% off the total bill, when used without any other offers.
Guests can quote GINPALACE20 when paying for the bill.
Guests can quote GINPALACE20 when paying for the bill.
Head Bartender Tirupati pouring The Last Word.
About Strand Palace
Having welcomed guests since 1909, Strand Palace is surrounded by the best London has to offer. Set on the Strand, the hotel is located just minutes from Covent Garden and the River Thames, making it the perfect location for guests looking to explore the heart of London. The hotel completed its multi-million-pound refurbishment in May 2020. The refurbishment included all 788 guestrooms, all public spaces and the building’s façade.
A perfect balance of art deco influences and contemporary design, the updates offer guests a truly unique experience. Strand Palace’s restaurant, Haxells, offers modern British-inspired cuisine throughout the restaurant, bar, afternoon tearoom, and private dining room, while the Gin Palace bar features over 50 types of gin in a stylish setting. Strand Palace is part of the L+R Hotels property portfolio.
Having welcomed guests since 1909, Strand Palace is surrounded by the best London has to offer. Set on the Strand, the hotel is located just minutes from Covent Garden and the River Thames, making it the perfect location for guests looking to explore the heart of London. The hotel completed its multi-million-pound refurbishment in May 2020. The refurbishment included all 788 guestrooms, all public spaces and the building’s façade.
A perfect balance of art deco influences and contemporary design, the updates offer guests a truly unique experience. Strand Palace’s restaurant, Haxells, offers modern British-inspired cuisine throughout the restaurant, bar, afternoon tearoom, and private dining room, while the Gin Palace bar features over 50 types of gin in a stylish setting. Strand Palace is part of the L+R Hotels property portfolio.
Press Kit
If you are interested in seeing any more archive documents or more photographs or videos, please do not hesitate to let us know.
For Feature and Review:
Please let us know if you would like to feature and review; we’d be happy to host you.
Press Contact: Charlotte Wood
Senior Marketing Executive, Strand Palace
Email: charlotte.wood@strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 7379 4737
Website: www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Social Media: @strandpalace
Please let us know if you would like to feature and review; we’d be happy to host you.
Press Contact: Charlotte Wood
Senior Marketing Executive, Strand Palace
Email: charlotte.wood@strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 7379 4737
Website: www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Social Media: @strandpalace