Our pick of ancient Athens’ modern hot spots and a devilishly good cocktail perfect for Hallowe’en
Out and about in… Athens
Despite the fact that Athens is best known for its soaring ancient architecture, the city has been peppered with modern boîtes and there’s plenty to keep the style-savvy traveller happy. Taking our cue from the year’s chicest travel guide StyleCity Europe (€24,95, Thames & Hudson), we pick three of the capital’s coolest spots…
Galaxy Bar
Hilton Athens, 46 Vassilissis Sofias
Enjoying an elevated position at the top of the Athens Hilton, the Galaxy Bar is the place to go for a matchless view of the Acropolis.
Style Sumptuous – chairs come in the softest suede and the polished black floors are punctuated with mirrored glass and pleated paper sculptures.
Who Aside from the hotel’s own pampered guests and business travellers, Galaxy pulls in its fair share of local celebrities.
Drink An espresso martini: devil-black coffee topped with vodka and white crème de cacao.
Eat Prawns in tempura batter.
Balux
58 Vassileos Georgiou
Situated in the chi-chi suburb of Glyfadas (also known as the ‘Hellenic Hamptons’), Balux’s open-air space sprawls along the seafront.
Style Starkly modern – from the pale poolside decking to the long, light sofas and the four-poster beds swathed with bright white curtains, the bar is a vision of clean, serene minimalism.
Who An extremely youthful crowd.
Athens’ bright young things congregate here at lunchtime, but dancing goes on until well after nightfall.
Drink A watermelon cooler: dark rum, watermelon, lime and brown sugar.
Eat Risotto with crayfish, ginger, cherry tomatoes and mascarpone cheese.
Balthazar
27 Tsoha Street
Tucked away in the peaceful Ambelokipi district, this bar is in a neoclassical mansion and provides welcome respite from the metropolitan dash of the city below.
Style Elegant – all low-slung sofas and lantern-lit courtyards, Balthazar effortlessly fuses history and modernity.
Who Discerning locals and the occasional clued-up tourist.
Drink A classic champagne cocktail: Angostura bitters, brown sugar and cognac topped with champagne.
Eat Octopus scented with truffle oil.
Cocktail
corner
Calvados
Presuming that the seasonal glut hasn’t already rendered you sick of the sight of apples, there’s no better time than October to crack open the calvados. Less venerated than armangnac, but equally worthy of consideration, apple brandy is traditionally drunk in between courses at dinner (as a trou normand). Better to try it in a robust autumnal cocktail, though. With Hallowe’en around the corner, the Corpse Reviver makes an eerily appropriate tipple. Mix one part Berneroy Calvados (www.oddbins.com)with one part red vermouth and two parts brandy. Conversely, you could try an Angel Face (one part calvados mixed with one part apricot brandy and one part gin) – devilishly tasty.
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