The Beachcomber Bar opened in London in 1960 and was the first tiki-style bar in England, preceding the arrival of Trader Vic’s.

Decorated like a Polynesian island, there were tropical downpours over a fake lagoon, parrots flying around freely and Hawaiian dancers in gold hula skirts. It also became known as the Crocodile Bar, because baby crocodiles were kept in the lagoon.

‘No need for a South Seas cruise and we’re only footsteps away from the bright lights of Piccadilly,’ commented a Pathe news presenter, who also mentioned the potent cava bowls that were ‘guaranteed to lubricate friendship.’ You can still find this entertaining footage online.

The Beachcomber was inside the Mayfair Hotel in Berkeley Square, bought by native New Yorkers Edward and Harry Danziger.

They arrived in London in 1952 and started out as television film producers. They produced dozens of well-regarded films and television shows but their best-known series was the crime thriller Calling Scotland Yard, which was also shown on American television.

After three years in the film and television business, founding the New Elstree Studios, the brothers moved into the hospitality sector. As well as buying the Mayfair hotel and introducing the Beachcomber concept to Brits, they also owned a cinema business.

The Beachcomber restaurant and bar closed in 1985 and we think this marvelous drinks menu is probably from that era.