Is gin still in style? 1855 Gin Garden says “yes”

Appealing to the eyes, pleasant to the mouth, sexy and sophisticated. For more than ten years, gin has become a cult drink in various parts of the world – a trend that endures and continues to give birth to specialty venues in Lisbon. Such is the case of 1855 Gin Garden Bar, at Hotel Martinhal Chiado, working since last summer on Rua das Flores, in Chiado, and officially open now. 

The atmosphere – dark, intimate, welcoming – invites you to a relaxed drink, even though the space belongs to an imposing historical building, from 1855. From the simple and beautiful decoration, with tiles and plants, a BMW Isetta parked at the entrance stands out. “This car has a story. It relates to Martinhal [hotel chain in Portugal]. In all the hotels we have a minivan, but when we came here we didn't have the space for it, so we decided to put this car instead, a BMW Isetta”, clarifies Rosa Santos, marketing director.

In addition to serving the hotel, there is a door to the street to call out to passers-by. “We wanted to make something appealing to a local market. Not exactly that younger audience looking for a night out, but people who want to have a drink and some tapas after work, who go to the theater or shows nearby”, continues Rosa Santos.

On the menu are classic and signature cocktails, such as the Pink Lady (€11), a fruity and bitter cocktail with gin, fresh raspberries, lemon juice, egg white and sugar syrup; the long, refreshing 1855 Garden Spritz (€8.50), with gin, elderflower liqueur, floral bitters, rosemary sparkling water and sparkling wine; or the Smokey Ginger Sour (€11), one of the few without gin, with a smoky and spicy flavor, with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup, ginger beer and egg white. There are also mocktails and the most creative are challenged to create their own gin and tonic. Just select the gin, a drink and a garnish.

And as a snack is always a good idea, there is a selection of dishes to share that harmonize well with the cocktails. The vegetarian option (€13.50), for instance, has guacamole, humus, nachos and toast. Another good choice are the pinchos: there's avocado, spinach and dried tomato (€2.75/1 unit, €8/3 units); ham, cream cheese and peanuts (€2.75/1 unit, €8/3 units); and smoked salmon, waldorf and arugula (€2.75/1 unit, €8/3 units).

On Thursdays, Bar 1855 Gin Garden plays hosts to a sushi chef for a sushi night.

Rua das Flores, 44 (Chiado). 91 003 6180. Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight