Introducing Panos: The New Bar Manager at Bar Américain
Step inside Bar Américain at Zédel, and you’ll find yourself transported to a golden age of glamour, sophistication, and effortless hospitality. This beloved Art Deco cocktail bar in the heart of Soho has long been known for its timeless charm and expertly crafted drinks.
Now, Bar Américain welcomes a new creative force behind the bar – Panos Ntalianis, our newly appointed Bar Manager, whose passion and artistry promise an exciting new chapter for our pocket of Americana.
We caught up with Panos to learn more about his journey, his inspirations, and what guests can expect at Bar Américain.
Do note, Panos discusses cocktails from our upcoming Postcards from Paris cocktail menu, which will launch on 13th October.
What first sparked your passion for bartending and hospitality, and how did your journey lead you to Bar Américain?
Hospitality runs in my family, so the idea of welcoming people has always felt natural. I started as a barback 20 years ago while studying design, and what began as a side job became a lifelong passion.
After moving to the UK in 2015 to complete my MSc in Product Design Enterprise, I worked in several top London bars and hotels – including the Shangri-La and Art’otel Battersea. Visiting Bar Américain was love at first sight, so it’s a dream to now manage the bar I once admired from the other side of the counter.
Bar Américain has such a distinctive style and atmosphere. How would you describe the experience you want guests to have?
Bar Américain feels both historic and contemporary – elegant without being formal. The Art Deco interior, jazz soundtrack, and warm lighting create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. We honour the classics while reimagining them for today, offering cocktails that tell a story through flavour, craft, and presentation.
Do you have a favourite cocktail on the current menu?
Definitely the Avant Garde. It’s my take on a Negroni – earthy, bittersweet, and full of umami depth. We use mezcal, beetroot-infused gentian liqueur, and a honey aperitif with porcini mushrooms for a rich, layered flavour that’s both familiar and surprising.
Cocktail trends are always evolving. What excites you most right now?
I love experimenting with new flavour pairings – like tahini and mandarin liqueur in our Chez Bicktop; quince and cherry blossom soda in Moveable Feast, and tarragon and redcurrant in Barefoot in Gold. There’s so much room for creativity. I’m also passionate about crafting non-alcoholic versions of our cocktails so every guest can enjoy the same experience, with or without spirits.
Where do you find inspiration outside the bar?
Everywhere – travel, art, architecture, even colour and texture. Meeting other bartenders and discovering new ingredients always sparks ideas. Inspiration often comes from seeing beauty in unexpected places.
Visit Bar Américain at Zédel
Under Panos’s direction, Bar Américain continues to celebrate its rich Art Deco heritage while embracing modern mixology. Join us for an evening of refined cocktails, live jazz, and warm hospitality in the heart of Soho – and experience why Bar Américain remains one of London’s most iconic cocktail bars.
