Situated inside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Library Bar is a craft cocktail destination with a rich history. The recently renovated bar was unveiled at an exciting re-launch celebration, hosted last month.
While the cocktail bar's interior design mixes vintage and contemporary accents -- with a central portrait of George Locke stealing the show -- its drink menu gives nostalgic beverages a fresh reinvention. George Locke was the City of Toronto's chief librarian when Fairmont Royal York first opened its doors in 1929, and was responsible for hand-picking every book found inside the hotel. Some of these original books are still on display in the Fairmont Royal York's library room, located just above the Library Bar itself. His legacy is synonymous with the Library Bar's rich past while the launch of its exclusive QUILL gin and vodka spirits represents its exciting future. Fairmont Royal York's Director of Beverage Rus Yessenov collaborated with master distillers to create QUILL and is the creative force behind its newest cocktails.
Featuring extravagant presentation, the Library Bar's most notable cocktails include the Birdbath Martini, made with Fairmont Royal York’s new QUILL vodka and gin and served inside a vintage bird bath glass. Twist of Fate is another fan favourite, featuring Hendrick's Gin, Lillet Blanc, Gentian, Raspberry, Verjus and Prosecco Rosé.
Now open to the public, Fairmont Royal York's Library Bar is an elegant destination for impeccably crafted cocktails and artisan eats. With New Year's Eve 2022 around the corner, bar reservations now open with a 6-course meal, two welcome cocktails and a 750 ml bottle of champagne offered to guests.
Historic Cocktail Bar Renovations
The Fairmont Royal York Library Bar Celebrates Toronto's History
Trend Themes
1. Heritage Reimagined - Opportunity for other historic venues to modernize their offerings while preserving their heritage.
2. Interactive Cocktails - Opportunity to create cocktails that engage multiple senses and provide a memorable experience.
3. Cocktail Exclusives - Opportunity for bars to develop exclusive and signature spirits to differentiate themselves from competitors.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Hotels can leverage their history to create unique and memorable experiences for guests through their food and beverage offerings.
2. Craft Distilling - Distilleries can create partnerships with bars and hotels to develop exclusive spirits for their venues.
3. Interior Design - Interior design firms can specialize in preserving the history and legacy of a space while modernizing its offerings and ambiance.