Albert’s Bar is the latest concept to throw its hat in the ring of Midtown Manhattan’s ongoing F&B boom. The new cocktail bar comes courtesy of Sleeping Giant NY, the team behind many of New York’s most beloved gastropubs, including the Spainard and the Penrose.
Envisioned by Parts and Labor Design, the lofty, dual-height space recalls the style of post-prohibition destinations with on East 41st Street. “We wanted to create a community institution, both approachable and unpretentious, really putting the human element of the design at the forefront,” says Parts and Labor founder Jeremy Levitt. “We aim to reinterpret the time era and details of these buildings in a modern way, bringing in Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements that feel appropriate for the space.”
Cubed glass elements reflect Art Deco influences, while a variety of brass details toast Art Nouveau styles. A curvaceous central bar reflects the collision of these aesthetics—with vertical tile rises along the radius offset by wood finishes that warmly convey a nostalgia for the pubs of yesteryear. Light plaster finishes and high-gloss paint also strike a balance between heritage and contemporary elements.
Materials were also selected for their durability, ensuring that Albert’s Bar will age with grace. “The leather on the banquettes will patina and wear with time, the floor will scratch, and the metal will age—we made sure to use materials that celebrate the wear of each busy night,” Levitt adds. “Timelessness is at the core of Albert’s, and what differentiates this space from others. The goal is to stay as relevant in 20 years’ time as the day it opened.”
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