The Bar at the Londres: the emblematic Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra is opening a new gastronomic space with views of La Concha
The Bar at the Londres: the emblematic Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra is opening a new gastronomic space with views of La Concha
The opening of a new gastronomic space is always good news, and even more so if it is located in a building as emblematic as the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, known for its architecture, its privileged location on the La Concha Bay in San Sebastián, and its rich history with figures like Queen Isabella II of Spain, King Charles I of Portugal, film director Orson Welles, painter Toulouse-Lautrec, spy Mata Hari, philosopher David Strauss, and actress Sarah Bernhardt all having spent time within its walls.
The banquet halls –until recently known as the Mari Galant Brasserie and the legendary Swing Bar– will be joined together to create a single, all-encompassing concept that seeks to restore the original splendor of the building, adapting it to contemporary demands and preferences without losing sight of the hotel’s essence and classic aesthetic features.
One of the individuals responsible for fusing the French charm of the Belle Époque with more modern lines to provide a contemporary twist is interior architect Rafael Sitges. His proven track record has allowed him to design the interiors of numerous historic buildings, such as the Infanzonía Palace in Zaragoza, the Carvajal Girón Palace in Plasencia, and the Villa Favorita Hotel in San Sebastián. His vision for this new project revolves around evoking the romanticism that was characteristic of the golden age amongst the great European coastal hotels in order to create a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel at home and as if they are a part of history, with a look that celebrates both the luxury of the past and the style of the present. To achieve that spectacular vision, the architect opted for warm lighting to add a touch of dynamism and depth to the spaces, along with a palette of dark tones in the furnishings. These elements –together with plant features– create an elegant and comfortable setting.
Additionally, Jon Mikel Íbero, Head Chef at the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, together with the Imago agency (a strategy/creative agency for gastronomic projects), has created a concept menu that highlights his love for the Basque coast, the sea, and the land, all the while celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients. The kitchen will always be open to both guests and visitors. The main inspiration for breakfast comes from traditional markets, transporting diners to different stalls where local and regional dishes and delicacies are on offer, also with a live cooking section where hot foods can be enjoyed. After breakfast and until the evening, guests can enjoy bistro-style cuisine that is both intuitive and elegant and in which Parisian sophistication blends with the freshness of the sea.
The icing on the cake is undoubtedly the cocktails, which draw inspiration from the iconic bars of London’s hotels: American Bar at The Savoy, Connaught Bar at the hotel which shares its name, and Artesian at The Langham. The cocktail menu reflects meticulous attention to detail, taking into account both the recipes and the ingredients while featuring a simple yet elegant presentation. We predict that this bar will soon become a classic!
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Calle Zubieta 2, San Sebastián.
Tel.: +34 943 440 770
