Brussels Announces The Launch Of Bar Magritte – The Only Bar Dedicated To The Surrealist Genius René Magritte

BAR MAGRITTE: A WORLD FIRST AT HOTEL AMIGO IN BRUSSELS.

Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel in Brussels, announced the launch of Bar Magritte – the only bar dedicated to the life and works of Surrealist genius René Magritte – on 21st November 2023, marking the artist’s 125th birthday.

Hotel Amigo, a distinguished Rocco Forte establishment in Brussels, proudly presents the grand inauguration of Bar Magritte—a groundbreaking venture paying homage to the Surrealist luminary René Magritte. The curtain rises on this unprecedented endeavor on November 21, 2023, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the artist’s birth.

Bar Magritte promises an unparalleled sensory expedition, an enclave of expert mixology, exquisite design, and an air of enigma, all inspired by the life and oeuvre of the celebrated Belgian Surrealist. The visionary cocktail menu, orchestrated by world-renowned mixologist Salvatore Calabrese, beckons patrons into two distinct realms: ‘His Works’ and ‘His World.’

Within the realm of ‘His Works,’ patrons can indulge in ten ingenious libations inspired by Magritte’s masterpieces. Among these, the ‘Shéhérezade’ offers a citrussy, effervescent Martini, ‘Lyricism’ embodies a sensual celebration of pear, and ‘Magritte’ pays a sophisticated tribute to the artist’s affinity for red wine. Meanwhile, ‘His World’ invites guests to savor ten classic cocktails drawn from Magritte’s lifetime, including the ‘Casanova,’ a nod to his friend Salvador Dalí, the ‘Film Maker,’ named after the famed director Alfred Hitchcock, and the ‘Bronx,’ a classic from Magritte’s Big Apple days.

 

The ambiance at Bar Magritte transports guests to the surrealistic art movement of 1920s and ’30s Brussels, complemented by the melodious tones of jazz or live music on select days. As patrons peruse the evocative cocktail menu, they can relish small plates featuring Belgian classics inspired by Magritte’s culinary preferences—shrimp croquettes, Monsieur Magritte’s Liégeoise salad, calamari carbonara, and the intriguing “moules-frites” ravioli named Les Amants.

Internationally acclaimed designer Olga Polizzi, in collaboration with Sarah Daniels of DO Design Studio, has woven a tapestry of deep jewel-like tones and playful textures, set against stunning Art Deco-inspired stained glass windows. The Surrealist theme comes to life with bespoke mural-like wallpaper by contemporary designer Adam Ellis, inspired by Magritte’s “Femmes” (1922), adorning the walls, juxtaposed against a striking long brass bar at center stage.

Lydia Forte, Group Director of Food & Beverage, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Combining all the elements, from the cocktails crafted by Salvatore Calabrese to the beautiful glassware and uniforms, and watching it all come to life as the fabulous world of Magritte has been so exciting.”

Salvatore Calabrese, known as the “Maestro,” shared his delight in crafting this unique menu: “Magritte gave us so much inspiration to draw from; crafting these cocktails was a fun and playful task of pushing boundaries. I do hope guests will take as much pleasure in drinking them as we did in creating them.”

On the design front, Olga Polizzi remarked, “The bar at Hotel Amigo in Brussels has had a total transformation into Bar Magritte,” highlighting the specially designed wallpaper by Adam Ellis and the vibrant scheme put together by DO Design Studio.

Jan Nielsen, Hotel Amigo’s Managing Director, expressed his thrill at the bar’s opening, emphasizing the significance of dedicating this space to René Magritte’s enduring legacy. The Magritte Foundation’s support and Charly Herscovici’s collaboration have played a pivotal role in bringing this surrealistic oasis to life—an homage to one of Brussels’ most celebrated sons.