NYC Luxury Hotel The Pierre Opens New Upper East Side Bar & Lounge

Manhattan's newest social destination, Two E, has opened at The Pierre, the iconic hotel on New York's Central Park.

Two E, named for the bar's location at 2 East 61st Street, is open daily from 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. and can accommodate up to 80 people at the standing bar and a comfortable arrangement of tables, all under the direction of Manager Irfan Haque.

Two E features classic cocktails meticulously crafted from the freshest ingredients, a coffee bar and afternoon tea. A menu from Executive Chef Stephane Becht complements the many beverage options, with light fare and small plates to share available until 12 a.m. Priced from $12 - $29, the culinary selections include The Pierre Salad, with langoustines, artichokes and more; a Panini , featuring prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, avocado and basil pesto, or plates such as one half-dozen fresh oysters of the day or assorted cheeses.

Every afternoon, Two E offers Afternoon Tea from 3 -- 5 p.m., with a choice of Traditional Tea Service ($55) with finger sandwiches, freshly baked Ginger Scones with Devonshire Cream and Meyer Lemon Curd and pastries, such as Banana Rum Opera Cake and Mini Chocolate Savarin; or Sweet Tea Service ($45), with freshly baked scones and pastries. Both tea services include selections from a variety of fine black, green and herbal loose teas from around the world. As an alternative, the bar and lounge also offers a Coffee Bar serving French press coffees, espresso and cappuccino.

Ever-changing custom playlists created for Two E will subtly shift the mood from day into evening.

The space, formerly the executive offices and originally the hotel's reading room, retains its original molding details on ceiling and columns, and is highlighted by an invitingly sophisticated design by Alexandra Champalimaud. The residential-style design features an eclectic mix of custom furnishings in warm woods, with scattered groupings of chairs, upholstered armchairs and banquettes adjoining low pedestal tables. The lighting scheme includes a mix of slender table lamps, ceiling fixtures and wall sconces that sparkle on wall panels and behind the central bronze bar.

Tabletops feature a return of the original Pierre hotel crest, showcased on Rosenthal "Jade" pattern bone china with platinum engraving and on Fili D'Oro linen napkins. Afternoon tea tables are graced with custom white linen mats. Flatware and crystal stemware continue the understated theme.

The Pierre, on Fifth Avenue overlooking New York's Central Park, first opened in 1930. The iconic hotel with 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces as the luxury chain's U.S. flagship in 2005. The Pierre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, re-opened June 1, 2009, following a $100 million renovations program to update all guestroom interiors and add a new destination bar, Two E.

View Hotel Profile: The Pierre