Larry’s Bar – an ‘underground speakeasy’ which opened beneath the National Portrait Gallery in 2023 – has inspired a new book, Cocktails at Larry’s, allowing readers to recreate its starry drinks menu (including ‘The Monroe’) in the comfort of their homes.
“Experience the National Portrait Gallery’s most iconic works and the drinks created in their honour … From the regal gin cocktail ‘The Cecil Beaton’ to the experimental, colourful ‘CMYK Fizz’ inspired by Yevonde, and the award-winning dirty martini McBean cocktail. These fabulous cocktails evoke bygone eras and the creative spirit of London’s West End which is known for its hub of creativity and pioneering jazz scene.
This beautiful hardback publication begins with an introduction to Larry’s Bar and the story of its namesake, the actor Sir Laurence Olivier. It then showcases each of Larry’s bespoke cocktails, telling the stories behind their inspiration, ingredients and design. Each story is illustrated with images of each drink and portraits of iconic figures ranging from Audrey Hepburn to Francis Bacon from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection.”
When Marilyn came to England to shoot The Prince and the Showgirl, her glamorous allure clashed with Olivier’s regal bearing. Prior to her arrival, she posed for photographer Cecil Beaton in New York. 1956 was also the year when she met the Queen, and Beaton became ‘Sir Cecil.’
Beaton’s photographs were among her own favourites, and three adorn the wall of Larry’s Bar today – while another Hollywood blonde, Faye Dunaway, graces the cover of Cocktails at Larry’s.
The Marilyn Report 