Le Bristol Paris Debuts Le Bar du Bristol

The opening of Le Bar du Bristol completes a wide-ranging renovation program extending over the past three years, totalling $143 million (110 million euros).

From its contemporary interior design by Pierre-Yves Rochon and team of seasoned professionals, with head barman Maxime Hoerth at the helm, this trendy new bar promises to be one of the best Parisian evening haunts and the place to enjoy a drink in Paris.

Le Bristol CEO Didier Le Calvez states, "As the owner of the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden Baden since 1923, the Oetker Group boasts over 90 years’ experience in the hotel business. This has enabled Le Bristol to become one of the best hotels in Paris since it was acquired by the Oetker family in 1978.

Having had the opportunity of witnessing the opening of the Matignon wing undertaken by my predecessor in 2009, I now consider the inauguration of Le Bar du Bristol to be the final finishing touch to three years of work. I feel as much emotion as when I reopened the Four Seasons George V, also after three years of work. This exceptional renovation programme breathes new life into Le Bristol, the aim of which is to become the very best hotel in Paris."

Designed by renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon and Mrs. Maja Oetker, Le Bar du Bristol boasts both classic and modern décor, the standout being a mural fresco representing a lush garden by French artist Thierry Bruet. This work of art was commissioned for Le Bar du Bristol and echoes the authentic Aubusson tapestry by Charles Pinçon dating back to 1740.

The bar is evocative of an English club, closed off with thick silk curtains for greater intimacy, and a wooden floor made of Versailles oak and 100-year-old panelling made of natural pine from Esher in Surrey. Two bookcases flank the 19th century marble fireplace to warm the winter evenings with a crackling fire, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The interior of Le Bar du Bristol features the finest materials from the most reputable suppliers. From the ochre-colored winged armchairs and duck egg blue Rubelli wall seats to the small English Petworth Chairs in red and blue Italian leather, Le Manach leopard-print fabric and House of Porto Romana Giacometti stools, the bar conveys a sense of timeless elegance and modernity.

Every evening, behind the long panelled bar made of golden-colored granite, a stately mirror becomes a screen reflected in the 18th century French mirror hanging opposite over the fireplace. A special rotating connoisseurs’ program of contemporary works of art to reflect the many historic links between the art world and Le Bristol will be updated each month and available for viewing on the screen from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. A selection of artists' videos will also be shown on the screen, covering the subjects of travel, architecture, urbanism and landscapes, as well as movies and icons.

Le Bristol’s Chef des Cuisine Eric Frechon brings the same unique and exceptional gastronomic pleasure found at Epicure, the hotel’s Michelin three star restaurant, to Le Bar du Bristol. Highlights from the bar include Maki rolls with king crab and vegetables in spicy ketchup; tartines of salted and peppered potted duck foie gras; gambas tempura with ginger and coriander mayonnaise; chicken wings in satay sauce; Pata Negra ham; Comté and Emmental cheese straws; and Parmesan shortbread.
The bar’s most important asset, arguably, is the head barman, Maxime Hoerth. Named Best Barman and Craftsman in France by Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2011, Hoerth brings youth, dynamism and excellent interpersonal skills to Le Bar du Bristol. With a diversified portfolio of experience acquired from 2001 to 2007 at Le Royal Hotel in Luxembourg, the Sofitel Hotel in Strasbourg, the Grand Hôtel Bellevue in Gstaad and the Lausanne Palace & Spa, this 26-year old mixologist extraordinaire established himself between 2007 and 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, progressively climbing the echelons to become head barman.

Hoerth’s vision is to make Le Bar du Bristol an exclusive location to relax and enjoy a drink. With the help of an enthusiastic team, including his assistant Roman Devaux (previously head barman at the Ritz Paris' Hemingway Bar), he is delighted at the idea of taking up this new challenge. Hoerth’s own cocktail creations, such as Bristol Old Fashioned N°1 and the Heartbreaker, are sure to delight and surprise cocktail lovers.

Le Bar du Bristol presents a glamorous and trendy atmosphere augmented by a selection of DJs from Thursday to Saturday evenings from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The musical selection offers guests an eclectic combination of electronic sounds and vintage-inspired moods.

Le Bar du Bristol is open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., welcoming Parisians and discerning clients from around the world. For more information, call +33 1 53 43 42 41, email lebar@lebristolparis.com or visit www.lebristolparis.com.

More information: Le Bar du Bristol

About: Hotel Le Bristol