The exquisite House of Faberge at H Tasting Lounge.
Vancouver may be a young city, but a select few of its countless bars are rife with historical inspiration. Pull up a seat at one of the lounges below, and prepare to be submerged in the storied pasts of bygone movie stars, royalty and even an aviation pioneer – and yes, we have cocktail suggestions, too!
Celebrities and royalty have flocked to 1927 since the Jazz Era.
1927 Lobby Lounge The Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s living room-like lounge debuted in the roaring ‘20s, and soon became a who’s who of Hollywood and royal elite. Throughout the years, it hosted a dazzling parade of stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Errol Flynn, John Wayne, Sir Laurence Olivier – and, most notably, the Prince of Wales and his brother George, the Duke of Kent. In later years, the hallowed space was frequented by the likes of Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley. Today, guests gravitate to the stylish space for a pre-dinner cocktail or evening digestif. We recommend: The Hotel Georgia, a subtly smooth delight created in the early ‘50s that incorporates gin, orgeat (almond syrup), orange blossom water and egg white.
Stroll through history while sipping delicious cocktails at H Tasting Lounge.
H Tasting Lounge Inspired by aviation god Howard Hughes – who lived in The Westin Bayshore for six months in ’72 – the newly unveiled H Tasting Lounge pays homage to Hughes’ world tour with themed décor, libations and bites. The room was designed to mirror Hughes’ life, and is crowned by a striking chandelier whose glass pieces replicate the movement of airplane propellers. We recommend: House of Fabergé, a nod to Hughes’ trip to Russia in the late ‘30s, featuring vodka, toasted hazelnut, green peppercorn and lactic acid – the latter lending a full, creamy mouthfeel – served in a Snapchat-worthy breakable egg.
Classic favourites await at Hy’s Cocktail Bar.
Hy’s Encore Opened in 1962, Hy’s Steakhouse and its upstairs lounge, Hy’s Encore, have hosted timeless stars the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Muhammad Ali. The venue carries its classic theme through décor – grand, wood-panelled and elegant; food – top-grade steaks, some prepared tableside; and cocktails – classics are centre stage, though the bar team take equal pride in mixing up the moderns. We recommend: the Vieux Carré. This complex blend of rye, cognac, vermouth and bitters requires an exquisite attention to balance in flavours, and Hy’s bar team pull it off admirably.
The Sylvia Hotel is home to Vancouver’s very first cocktail bar.
The Sylvia Hotel Lounge Built in 1912 as an apartment building, this West End hotel opened Vancouver’s first cocktail bar in 1954. The lounge boasts covetable views of English Bay and the seawall, and a cozy fireplace assures an inviting atmosphere year-round. We recommend: The Vancouver Cocktail, a Sylvia original now seen on bar menus across the city and beyond. Incorporating gin, vermouth, Bénédictine and orange bitters, the drink is a silky marriage of botanicals, herbs and a subtle spicy sweetness. Cheers to history!
