Just a short walk from Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, the St. Ermin’s Hotel has a legendary and notorious history, stretching back to 1899. Spies traded secrets, politicians strategized policy over drinks and cigars, and Winston Churchill ran Britain’s illustrious Special Operations Executive during the Second World War. He’d end some days sipping Pol Roger Champagne at the hotel bar.

Fast forward to the present day, the Caxton Bar is still the place to be. What’s it like now? We caught up to barman Ricardo Sousa to find out.

First off, can you talk a bit about how long you’ve been at the hotel and where you perfected your mixology skills?

I’ve been at the hotel for two years, refining my mixology skills through various training programs and hands-on experience.

What’s the best part of working at a historic hotel in London?

I’d have to say the rich heritage and atmosphere, which provides a unique backdrop for crafting memorable experiences for our guests.

What’s the most popular cocktail at the Caxton Bar?

The most popular cocktail at the Caxton Bar is our signature Bowler Hat, featuring a refreshing blend of St. Ermin’s gin, dry vermouth, fresh lemon juice and honey from our own beehives on the Bee Terrace on the third floor. Guests can observe the bees at work protected by floor-to-ceiling glass windows onto the open-air bee terrace.

What inspires you to create new cocktails for hotel guests?

I’m inspired to create new cocktails for hotel guests by experimenting with flavors, seasonal ingredients and cultural influences, aiming to surprise and delight their palates.

Why is St. Ermin’s own gin an ideal base for so many cocktails? What makes it stand out?

St. Ermin’s own gin is an ideal base for cocktails due to its complex botanical profile and smooth texture. It stands out for its balanced flavor profile and versatility in a wide range of cocktail recipes. And our gin takes its botanicals from our kitchen roof garden.

What trends are you seeing?

Cocktails are evolving with an emphasis on health-conscious ingredients and innovative techniques like smoke infusion and molecular mixology. Low-ABV and non-alcoholic options are also gaining popularity.

What have you noticed about guests from certain countries and what drinks they prefer to order? Canadians? Americans? 

Guests from different countries often have distinct preferences. Canadians may enjoy drinks like the Caesar or Maple Old Fashioned, Americans often gravitate towards classic cocktails such as the Manhattan or Martini, while the French may prefer a Kir Royale or a refreshing aperitif.

Photos courtesy of St Ermin’s Hotel