Ada Coleman

1874–1966

First famous female bartender in a cocktail program

Ada Coleman’s father worked for the D’Oyly Carte family—owners of the theater company, the Savoy Hotel, and other businesses. Through that connection, Ada entered employment at their Claridge’s hotel, and then later at the Savoy, where she became head bartender in 1903. “Coley”, as she was affectionately known, was socially popular and made the Savoy bar famous. Coleman’s rein lasted until 1926, when she retired under murky circumstances, and was replaced by service bartender Harry Craddock.