The Prince de Galles has reopened its doors and is celebrating with a brand new cocktail bar called 19.20. Why the name? Simply because it takes us back to the speakeasy bars of the 1920s and the Belle Epoque, and offers cocktails that have marked the history of Paris, from 1920 to the present day. But you'll notice the dot between the 19 and the 20, a nod to aperitif time, of course.
We discover an Art Deco bar with an intimate 40-seat ambience that welcomes us from breakfast until late at night: sculptural chandelier, amber colors of cognac and champagne, mahogany, bronze and jade, marble counter, soft seats, palm trees, ferns and mosaics.
The patio, too, is changing face to become even more welcoming and intimate. Fewer seats, but more cocoons to make you feel good, whether you're a duo or a group of friends.
Behind the counter, Italian head bartender Roberto Catalano creates a menu of 10 signature cocktails with international influences, using a unique gin created by Distillerie de Paris for the Prince of Wales.
Another exciting feature of 19.20 is the cognac bar, called La Cognathèque, which takes us on a discovery of 25 French houses and small winemakers, each with their own story to tell. An original and accessible selection, even exclusive (5 or 6 exclusive vintages) for a journey of the senses. Not sure where to start? Let yourself be seduced by L'invitation au voyage, a €30 offer that allows you to taste 3 cognacs of your choice à la carte.
Chef Gérald Poirier is at the helm of the kitchen, serving up iconic dishes that have marked the French palate over the decades: from the 30s, with classic Parisian brasserie dishes such as Vol au vent de Ris de Veau, to the 2020s, via the 50s and his Sole Beurre Meunière. We'll also be rediscovering Merlan Colbert, a forgotten dish on the verge of extinction.
Note that the menu is more accessible, with a Parisian brasserie positioning. A starter + main course + dessert is offered at lunchtime for 46€, enough to treat yourself in a unique setting.
On the dessert side, pastry chef Tristan Rousselot is at work, with revisited versions of traditional desserts. Here we discover the sublimely divine Sacristain Millefeuille with vanilla and hazelnuts.
But that's not all, as the chef also proposes a superb tea time for 2 (88€ for 2). Savory appetizers: earth, sea and vegetable, accompany a reglette of 3 beautiful gourmet pastries to cut in half. Add to this a regressive nones fart to dip in a hazelnut chocolate sauce and hot drinks, and you're in Paradise.
In short, a place to discover from breakfast for pastries, to lunch, tea-time, aperitifs and evening dinner, while awaiting the arrival of the Akira Back restaurant in early 2021.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Prince of Wales Hotel
33 Avenue George V
75008 Paris 8
Access
Georges V metro station
Official website
www.marriott.com
