NEW BAR BUZZ: “George The Lobby Bar” pours it up in downtown Athens
The King George Hotel's stylish new “George The Lobby Bar” is the place to imbibe now
ATHENS — Would it be wrong to skip the Acropolis and head straight for the bar? Of course not — and if you think the Greeks of yesteryear didn’t have their own private recipes for tipple, then you’ve obviously never been to Elefsina.
But enough ancient history. Athens, for one, is way more than that, as we were reminded the other other night. Yes, there’s a new watering hole in town, and it’s tucked inside the venerable King George Hotel — the legendary hotel on the rooftop of which Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle (whose name was repeatedly misspelled in the English version of a big Greek newspaper, as we pointed out) gave her first big interview for Greek television. The King George is part of Marriott these days, so I imagine that’s good news for folks out there who are into accumulating Bonvoy points and all that jazz.
I’d rather have a drink and hey, the holidays are upon us, disconcerting as it is to see Christmas decorations light up in the Greek capital even before it’s Thanksgiving, which they don’t celebrate in Greece. So sidle up to the glossiest, glammest new spot in town: “George The Lobby Bar”, the haute spot for drinks and bites. Opening night was even captured on our TikTok:
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The new cocktail menu is not vast, but it is eclectic, and that’s about right for this part of Athens — if you want touristy tavernas there’s Plaka for that; Syntagma Square is where Athens shows of its cosmopolitan colors to the world.
But, friends, do not order a Cosmo. I’m not even sure they have them. First thing you want to do is, as the menu nudges you to do, is “SMELL”…
Do like your faithful correspondent did and request a quixotic “Ashen Notes” — a libation with Italian bitter liqueur, Mezcal, sweet red vermouth, mint and, yes, strawberry. What happens next? “Aromas take the lead. Smoky mezcal, the bittersweet depth of vermouth rounded by fresh herbal notes and the natural sweetness of strawberry. A cocktail to inhale before you taste.”
Do like a certain Clinton once did, and inhale slowly…
Next, “TOUCH”…
That’s an invitation to the somewhat strongly titled “Savage Mary”, which rocks a robust vibe with vodka, tomato, mustard, kimchi and olive: “Sensual, thick, rough, slightly salty, spicy and complex. A cocktail you feel in your mouth and not just in taste, but in texture. The mustard and kimchi build an unexpected flavor profile that lingers,” says the menu.
You know what or who else might linger? You, in this sophisticated lobby bar space where there is also a selection of good Greek wines — think Assyrtiko from Halkidiki and not Santorini as you might expect, or Rare Earths “Black Cone” Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko (a red) from Nemea (it’s near ancient Mycenae) and of course, upscale nibbles are also de rigueur here. Cheers! 🍸
