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TOP 10… AMERICAN BARS

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American bars

[IN NO ORDER WHATSOEVER]

[1] HARRY’S BAR, VENICE
Small, crowded and expensive — but this is the home of the Bellini. Opened in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani using funds loaned by an American, Harry Pickering, it was later a favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway. Right: Giuseppe’s son, Arrigo. 1,323 San Marco Tel: +39 041 528 5777

[2] THE AMERICAN BAR, LONDON
Home of the “best Martini in London”, this bar at The Stafford Hotel is decorated with over 40 years’ worth of US donations, like club ties and college pennants. 16–18 St James’s Place, tel: +44 (0)207 493 0111

[3] THE AMERICAN BAR, PALERMO
This terrace bar on top of the Grande Albergo Sole hotel isn’t cheap, but has outstanding views over the city’s pantiled roofs, and the dome of Santa Caterina. 291 Corso Vittorio Emanuele, tel: +39 091 604 1111

[4] T.G.I. FRIDAY’S, OSLO This American oasis on Oslo’s main street has been doing business for 11 years now. Grab a drink at seats along the dark wood and brass counter, and chill to the sounds of rock ’n’ roll hits. 35 Karl Johans Gate, tel: +47 2233 3200

[5] OSCAR CAFÉ, BUDAPEST It’s all about the movies here, with directors’ chairs and pictures of the stars. The counter is impressively long, and the perfect place to try their cocktails — just ask Zolti for one of his famous Mojitos. 14 Ostrom Utca, tel: +361 212 8017

[6] LOOSBAR, VIENNA
Mirrors are used to powerful effect in this tiny, Adolf Loos-designed bar, which opened in 1908. However, the acclaimed architect spared no expense, as the floor and ceiling are made of marble. 10 Kärntner Durchgang, tel: +43 1512 3283

[7] HARRY’S BAR, PARIS
Nothing to do with Venice, this bar has been serving cocktails since 1911, and is the birthplace of the Bloody Mary. There’ s also a great piano bar downstairs. 5 Rue Daunou, tel: +33 142 617 114

[8] RICK’S, BRUSSELS
Themed around Casablanca, and with a warm atmosphere, Rick’s has been a hit with Brussels’ English-speaking community since 1977. It also serves great burgers and steaks. 344 Avenue Louise, tel: +32 2647 7530

[9] HUDSON BAR, BERLIN
With its Manhattaninspired ambiance, the Hudson is famously laid-back (a rarity in Berlin these days). It’s also devoted to exploring new cocktails — the staff paste up their top five every month. Be sure to ask for a Hudson Cooler or a Strawberry Banana Martini if you’re feeling ambitious. 10 Elssholzstrasse, tel: +49 302 199 7506

[10] HENRY J.BEAN’S, MALTA
Inside the Corinthia San Georg Hotel is an American 1950s-style bar and grill, under licence from the Bean franchise. Authentic atmosphere is on hand, with the help of exhibitionist barmen who juggle bottles and glasses when they’re not serving. They make a superb range of cocktails, too. St Georges Bay, St Julians, tel: +356 2370 2694

01 January 08