Only a couple of weeks have passed since Athens’ emergence from its months-long lockdown, and resident Athenians couldn’t be happier to roam around their city again. A leisurely stroll around the center proves what many have long suspected; in quarantine, the city was getting ready to surprise us again, with many new shops, restaurants and cafés opening their doors for the first time this month.

One announcement that sparked our interest came from the historic Grande Bretagne Hotel and the opening of its new outdoor venue, The Atrium. 

Housed in the secret garden of the popular Alexander’s Lounge on the first floor of the hotel, The Atrium is filled with olive trees, laurels, small cypress trees and flowers. Away from the city’s noise but just a few steps away from Syntagma Square and downtown Athens, we predict it will become one of our favorite hideaways this summer.

With a special menu created by the hotel’s renowned executive chef Asterios Koustoudis, and a team of talented culinary and pastry chefs, The Atrium lounge offers food inspired by Latin America. Peaking at the menu, we noticed flavourful dishes such as spicy vegetable tacos, and a salad with shrimp and salsa.

For drinks, guests can expect the same quality as they’re used to at Alexander’s lounge, choosing from the hotel’s remarkable wine collection, cocktails mixed by its award-winning bartenders, and a large selection of premium spirits. The wide variety of fine cigars, which attracted aficionados to Alexander’s Lounge year-round in the past, will also be available in the garden.

Read about more new eateries in downtown Athens worth a visit here.