There’s a stylish new Vancouver hotel lobby bar — plus 5 of our faves

Article content

Stepping in to the new The Georgia Bar in Vancouver, it feels like stepping back in time.

Located in the newly renovated Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the new lobby bar space taps in to the gilded art-deco design and opulent atmosphere of the 1920s. With a modern twist, of course.

“While the 1927 Lounge is designed to provide a classic, markedly sophisticated restaurant experience, the new Georgia Bar is a mixology-forward concept with an ambience of both elegance and character to recognize the property’s past,” says Safwan Abu Risheh, managing director at the downtown Vancouver property.

Article content

The two parallel spots, located in the street-level space that is a gateway to Bel Cafe, Hawksworth Restaurant and the as-yet unopened Reflections, act as duelling destinations for those looking for sips and bites — and music.

“Guests for both The Georgia Bar and 1927 Lounge can enjoy performances from R&B, jazz and soul artists on selective nights elevated by the sounds of a custom Fazioli Pianoforti Model F183 Art Case Edition in California Walnut,” Risheh says.

While the plush, crushed velvet and leather seats, marble tables and moody lighting are decor delights, it’s the food and beverages that are designed to be the true stars of the new lobby bar space.

“When crafting the new food and beverage programming at the reimagined Rosewood Hotel Georgia, we tapped into both the heritage of the property as well as the rich cultural tapestry of Vancouver for inspiration,” Risheh explains. “The mixology program at The Georgia Bar dives into our storied history, taking guests on a journey through varying flavour profiles to meet a range of palates, in many cases utilizing ingredients sourced locally or created here specifically for our libations.

Article content

Article content

“The culinary dishes at The Georgia Bar were inspired by the city’s cultural enclaves that comprise the greater Vancouver area.”

This inspiration translates to small bites featuring elevated ingredients such as “Caviar bumps” featuring French and sustainably sourced Canadian caviar as well as Wagyu beef tartine, along with a full book (yes, a book) of creative cocktails.

“The new cocktails lean into both history and locality,” Risheh explains of the expansive array of libations. “For example, the Patricia Room, a dedicated space for HRH Edward Prince of Wales constructed during the original hotel’s grand opening, is the inspiration behind a new cocktail called The Patricia. Our B.C. 75 cocktail features all ingredients — except for the lemon — sourced right here in our province.”

When asked to pick a must-try cocktail on the newly minted menu, Risheh pointed to The Herrick, a “memorable” sip that’s a nod to a longtime employee at the hotel property.

“(It) commemorates Fred Herrick’s 54 years of work as the property’s shoe-shiner,” Risheh says. “ It’s a wine-based cocktail with elements of Earl Grey tea and Verjus Blanc.”

Tor those looking to further their bar experience, The Rosewood Hotel Georgia has also revamped and reopened its basement bar, now called Prophecy Bar.

5 best hotel lobby bars in Vancouver

Because we love a good lobby lounge (and, really, who doesn’t?), here are a few more lobby bars in Vancouver where you can enjoy the environment and a good drink — whether you’re a Vancouverite or visitor:

Article content

The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim

Billed as an “exclusive dining and drinking experience,” the energetic Lobby Lounge & RawBar is a place to see and sip.

Notch8 Restaurant and Bar at Fairmont Vancouver

This expansive lobby bar is the perfect pit-stop for those looking to lounge with a cocktail (or high tea) after shopping on Robson or Alberni streets.

Tableau Bar Bistro at The Loden

Attached to the Loden Hotel, this French-style bar and bistro has the benefit of a patio for some outdoor enjoyment.

DAHLIA restaurant and cocktail bar at AZUR  

Light and bright with an atmosphere of luxe, this restaurant/bar space is a cosy spot to enjoy a cocktail.

Bacchus Lounge at Wedgewood Hotel and Spa

Old-world elegance is on full display with this wood-panelled lobby bar that will have you feeling like you’re in the Upper East Side of Manhattan rather than downtown Vancouver.

Did you favourite hotel bar not make the list? Let us know your go-to spot in the comments below. 

Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.com and TheProvince.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.

You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.

Article content