George, The Lobby Bar

The King Who Twice Went Into Exile Celebrates a Grand Return

 

In the heart of the Greek capital, the historic King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, introduces George, The Lobby Bar —a new, stylish Athenian rendezvous point.

Designed by the internationally acclaimed architecture studio Goddard Littlefair, the space combines neoclassical grandeur with modern refinement. Soft lighting, earthy tones, bespoke furnishings, and subtle artistic details create a setting that feels both intimate and elevated, reflecting the city’s pulse —equally suited to a morning espresso, a light midday snack or business lunch, as well as an evening cocktail that lingers late into the night.

 

A curated selection of modern Greek art, featuring authentic installations by both acclaimed and emerging Greek artists, forms an integral part of the space’s identity. Among the highlights is the eminent Yiannis Moralis and his emblematic work ‘Composition’* (1961), the largest mural ever created by the artist which anchors the bar’s entrance and sets the tone for the artistic narrative of George, The Lobby Bar. Nearby, a significant painting by Spyros Vassiliou, ‘The Little Shop on Athinas Street’, offers an evocative visual stroll through the history of Athens. The collection also includes a striking gypsum piece by Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, and additional installations by contemporary artists such as Filippos Theodoridis, Tina Karageorgi, Peggy Kliafa, Heliodora Margellou, Sophia Petropoulou, and photographer Zetta Antsakli. Though diverse in style and medium, each piece reflects a shared thread; a distinctly Greek artistic language with a global resonance.

Every element is carefully curated to reveal George’s elegant personality. Écaille crème porcelain from France and tailor-made uniforms by Greek fashion house Zeus + Dione read sophistication. With its own entrance beside the hotel’s grand reception, the bar welcomes both hotel guests and city residents alike.

 

 

The menu, curated by the hotel’s Michelin-starred culinary team (the one-star Tudor Hall restaurant is on the rooftop), led by Executive Head Chef Asterios Koustoudis and Chef de Cuisine Nikos Leivadias, celebrates balance and craftsmanship. International classics sit alongside thoughtfully sourced Greek ingredients —from handmade breads and the irresistible viennoiserie trolley. A highlight is the nostalgic creation “Bread, Butter & Honey”, inspired by a simple yet magical Greek childhood breakfast. The honey is sourced from the hotel’s adopted beehives in Kerkini, Serres, the pure goat and sheep butter is sourced from Grevena region, whilst the sourdough loaves are kneaded and baked daily in the hotel’s own bakery. Additionally, the breakfast jams are handmade from handpicked fruit from the fertile plains and mountain villages of Larissa —celebrating sustainable zero-waste gastronomy, respect to nature and local produce.

Comforting daytime dishes include beef carpaccio with truffle graviera or red mullet niçoise, and as the night falls, refined bites including lobster mac and cheese, beef tartare éclairs, bao with tempura shrimp, or oysters on ice invite guests into a more indulgent rhythm.

At the bar, the expert mixology team presents signature cocktails inspired by the six senses and rooted in a zero-waste ethos. Prepared tableside in an interactive performance, each drink  becomes a personalised experience with a special tribute to premium gin and tequila.

 

 

Named in honor of King George II, one of the hotel’s earliest guests when it opened in 1936, the bar pays subtle tribute to the monarch’s flair for both grandeur and reinvention. Twice exiled and twice returned, King George II knew a thing or two about a comeback —and how to make an entrance. George, The Lobby Bar channels that same cosmopolitan spirit: refined yet inviting, a place where Athens once again gathers under his name.

George,The Lobby Bar is set to become the city’s most sophisticated meeting point from day to night —a space to pause, connect, and savor the moment, surrounded by timeless elegance and cosmopolitan flair. Every Thursday, a new weekly ritual adds to its allure, with unique DJ party sets that transform the new bar into a vibrant social hub.

For more information or to book, please visit the website or follow @kinggeorgeathens

*Composition by Yiannis Moralis (1916–2009) was originally created in 1961 for the Parnitha Casino, this masterpiece is on temporary loan from Regency Casino Mont Parnes to the historic King George Hotel.

Andria Mitsakos Public Relations, branding, destination marketing, integrated marketing communications, luxury marketing, public relations, tourism