A new cocktail bar with a touch of yesteryear’s golden age of glamour is set to open along Bristol's floating harbour. Rick’s at The Bristol hopes to become the go-to waterside spot for after work drinks as the sun sets or for a cosy evening cocktail next to the fire indoors.
The new venue at the upmarket hotel is described as having “a soft nod to the style, intrigue and romance evoked in classic films, such as Casablanca”, where the bar Rick’s Cafe Americain came to represent the allure of a forgotten age. It looks like it's set to replace the hotel's Shore cafe-bar, which overlooked Narrow Quay and had been listed online as 'temporarily closed' for some months.
Rick's is set to open on Thursday (February 23). Adam Flint, general manager at The Bristol, said: “Bringing a brand new cocktail bar to the Bristol harbourside has been a real dream for the team here and we’re all thrilled to see Rick’s come to life.
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"We want to transport our guests to a relaxed and exotic spot for a date or a catch-up with friends where they can indulge in a little luxury with an after work cocktail or a perfect night out.”
The new space is filled with natural textures, an abundance of greenery and “a healthy touch of opulence”. The design, led by Ananth Ramaswamy, project architect for The Doyle Collection Hotel Group, features woven fabrics, wicker, rattan and warm textures, bridging together cultural elements from Paris and Britain to Monaco.
The signature cocktails include Some Enchanted Evening which is a fresh twist on a classic Whisky Sour featuring Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Whisky, apricot liqueur, lemon, star anise and Sichuan pepper. Also topping the menu is As Time Goes By which is made with Volcán de mi Tierra Tequila Blanco, Talisker 10-Year-Old whisky, dry vermouth and banana.
There will also be organic vegan friendly wines and local beers, while elegant bar bites such as locally-sourced oysters, marinated olives and padrón peppers can be enjoyed on the alfresco terrace with spring in the air, or in the cosy alcove seating for those colder evenings. The team at Rick’s said the cocktail menu will have an elevated take on the classics with “passion filled pours and signature cocktails, it is full of character and a fresh addition for Bristol”.
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