Avra, located within Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens in Vouliagmeni, has reinvented itself as a vibrant, feel-good gathering spot that pairs exotic, botanical-laced cocktails with healthy superfood snacks. The venue’s new menu features a generous helping of plant-based dishes while patrons can also request one-off, tailor-made mocktails. To celebrate the lounge’s new direction, a pop-up cocktail party is being held on Sunday, November 7, 2021.
Ahead of the Athens Bar Show, four of the world’s most gifted mixologists will make a special guest appearance at Avra. Harry Nikolaou, Avra Bar and Mercato Restaurant Manager at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, revisits his bar world tastemaker roots and will play host to:
- Valentino Longo, Head Bartender at The Champagne Bar within Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, who was named North America’s Most Imaginative Bartender in 2020
- Anton Windmar, Bar Manager at The Cadier Bar within Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel, whose cutting-edge cocktails surprise and delight
- Nikos Tachmazis, Head Bartender at Rotunda Bar within Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, who experiments with classic cocktails by infusing them with distinctly Greek ingredients
- Philip Bischoff, Beverage Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, who constantly strives to innovate with his peculiar potions
The quartet of modern-day alchemists will take over the bar for just one night and, along with Nikolaou, curate two craft cocktails each, exclusively for the pop-up event, for a total of 10 cocktails (EUR 10 each).
“I am really looking forward to introducing our guests to these four brilliant bartenders, who are renowned for their individual style and boundless imagination,” says Nikolaou. “And, of course, they are just as excited to be here in Athens.”
Avra’s new contemporary cocktail menu seeks to reinterpret the classics and introduces heady new signature concoctions. Two top picks are Vigour, made with Volcan tequila, mandarin, thyme honey, agave, vanilla and lime, and Spark, a mix of Empire gin, Metaxa, mango, strawberries, basil, lime and grapefruit soda. After all, some of the world’s best-loved cocktails, such as the Singapore Sling, Bloody Mary and Dry Martini, were born in hotel bars.
Key to the cocktail bar’s metamorphosis is the introduction of a new food menu filled with mood-boosting options that showcase seasonal flavors and local ingredients, particularly Greek super foods. Nikolaou says herbs and flowers are collected from the resort’s very own garden.
Among the menu highlights are polenta with goat cheese, sundried tomato, zucchini and thyme; beetroot carpaccio with salt crust, creamy burrata and Jerez vinegar; and a crispy oyster mushroom sandwich with caramelised onions and provolone cheese.
Nikolaou and his team are also committed to sustainability and aim to achieve zero waste. “Our drink coasters are made from coffee grounds and our menus from tea leaves. We have implemented a strict no-plastic policy, too,” he says.
Guests who come for the opening party will groove to the sound of tropical funk, soul and boogie vibes. Complimentary canapes and snacks from the new menu will be served. The event takes place Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.
To make a reservation, head over to the hotel’s official website.
