Harry’s Bar Grand Re-Opening

 

 

The renowned Harry’s Bar formally opened its new doors in an independent location on Via Il Prato 5 on the evening of December 12. This historic establishment, founded in 1953, has undergone several location changes throughout the years – most recently being found in The Garden of the five-star hotel Sina Villa Medici, which continues to welcome guests.

Whilst the location is new, the finery and decoration of the American bar are not.In keeping with the style of its former locations, the bar is dressed in rosy pink walls and table cloths, furnished with dark glossy wooden fittings. The bar’s chic design conveys the legacy and tradition of the bar and encapsulates the elegance of decades past.The evocative pink walls are decorated sparingly with historical drawings of Florence and prints reminiscent of 1950s movie posters – an ode to the bar’s Italo-American fusion style.

In addition to the continuation of the iconic interior of the bar, the menu also maintains renowned dishes such as beef carpaccio and curried prawns which were first served in the original Lungarno Vespucci venue, and the staff is the same.

The two levels of the new bar on Friday were brimming with loyal friends and supporters of Harry’s Bar, who enjoyed the complimentary champagne and decadent canapés generously offered. Lawyer and part-owner of the bar, Antonio Bechi engaged with all his guests, at one point explaining the bar’s firm place in Florence’s cultural milieu. Notably, throughout the decades, actors and directors such as Franco Zeffirelli, Liz Taylor and Sir Roger Moore have frequented this award-winning institution.

Harry’s bar encapsulates sophistication and style – importantly, however, it is neither pretentious nor supercilious. The staff, from manager Roberto Monsellato to the bartenders, are extremely welcoming and attentive creating a relaxed atmosphere. Bechi, used the adjective friendly to describe the bar; at its core, it is a premium place for people to meet, drink and eat together.

Harry’s Bar new location is currently accessible for dinner, and will open at lunchtime after the New Year.  Harry’s Bar the Garden in Villa Medici is open all day..  (Aniela Cabut)