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The Three Pigs
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Le Grand Balcon
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Skoufa 73,
Kolonaki, Athens
30 210 3604 400
The Three Pigs bar is like a wooden cabin, located in the shopping
district of the Greek capital city. Because of the university nearby, the
Three Pigs is always full of students, creating a social and cheerful
atmosphere. Students sit and wait for their test scores, discuss university
politics, trade the latest rumours and gossip. Even a little flirting with the
waiting staff, who, being casually dressed, fit in perfectly with the
student crowd. One waitress is dressed in the nostalgic fashion of the
1940s, much to the pleasure of the arty students. And yet, everything
here is quite mainstream, innocent and above all, relaxed. The Three Pigs
was designed by cult-designer Mr Kriton; the walls are painted with
lovely colours and adorned with vintage 1950s paintings by Betty Page.
St. George Lycabettus Hotel, 6th Floor,
Dexameni - Kolonaki, Athens
30 210 729 0711-9
www.sglycabettus.gr
A tinted glass elevator sparkled with little white lights takes you to the
very top of the famous St. George Lycabettus Hotel; it's as if you're
travelling through the heavens. Stepping out at the top of the hotel, you
realise the architect could not have chosen a more suitable location for Le
Grand Balcon, because everything here is truly over the top. The interior
can best be described as Zeus-meets-LouisXIV-meets-Elton John; the
baroque furniture is lined with white and purple plush and silver, shiny
material. Any risk of oppressive 'glam accessory overkill' is avoided through
the glass, crystal and silky-smooth mother of pearl which adorns
everything. In the same way, the bar itself is decorated with rows of pearls
and chandeliers hanging from the low ceiling. The spectacular view from
the roof-top terrace high above the bustling metropolis is breathtaking, a
thousand sparkling lights visible through the walls of the balcony which are
made entirely of glass. Opposite the bar at the same height as Le Grand
Balcon is a beautiful view of the illuminated Acropolis.
