Venice Experiences - A Peach Bellini Cocktail at Harry's Bar
18 years ago I stood in front of Harry’s Bar with my mother and sister, wanting to go in and enjoy the famous Peach Bellini we had heard so much about. 18 years ago I opened the door of that same bar and then immediately closed without even stepping a foot inside….feeling too intimidated to do so. This was something we all regretted when we got home because by that point it felt very silly! From the outside there are no clear windows that let you look inside of Harry’s and the door only gives you a glimpse of the bar. For some reason this just felt too unknown to us at the time. Maybe because we thought it might be too fancy or because we didn’t really know that much Italian, or maybe it was simply that we couldn’t see what was in front of us. I have never stopped thinking about the experience that I passed up all those years ago because for a moment I felt unsure. Luckily, sometimes in life you get a second chance to do something! On our last trip to Venice in May 2022 my husband and I decided that we would definitely be taking the time to stop in to Harry’s bar….and I would definitely be enjoying a Peach Bellini!
Harry’s Bar - Venice Italy
Harry’s bar was founded by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1931. Born in Verona in 1900, Cipriani settled in Venice and became a barman after having worked in grand hotels around Italy. He became well known and loved for his generosity and good drinks. In 1927, when Cipriani was working at Hotel Europa in Venice, he befriended a wealthy young American named Harry Pickering. Unfortunately because of Harry’s drinking habits he ended up finding himself stranded and penniless in Venice after being cut off financially by his family. He explained his situation to Cipriani and asked for a 10,000 lira loan, which he gave. Harry returned to Venice a few years later and gave Cipriani back the money he had loaned along with 40,000 more lira as a token of his appreciation. Cipriani decided to use it to fulfill his dream of opening up his own bar. He named Harry’s Bar after Pickering as well as his son Arrigo (Harry in Italian). Harry’s bar quickly became popular and did so well that Cipriani was able to open up an Inn in 1934 on one of the nearby Venetian islands. It wasn’t always smooth sailing for the bar through the years, but the Cipriani family has ended up doing very well for itself. Today The Cipriani Group has nearly 2 dozen restaurants and hotels that span all over the world, as well as a gorgeous line of high quality foods, drinks and gift boxes. Fun to think that it all started because Giuseppe Cipriani was kind and giving to a friend in need :)
The original Harry’s Bar in Venice has retained it’s sense of style over the years and today still remains that unique and special place where Cipriani’s dream was fulfilled. Over the years it has been well loved by many famous guest and has entertained greats such as Ernest Hemingway, Peggy Guggenheim, Frank Lloyd Wright and Audrey Hepburn, just to name a few. In 2001 it was declared a National Landmark by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage.
The Peach Bellini Cocktail was invented in 1948 by Cipriani. This lovely sophisticated drink is named after the 15th-century Venetian Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini. It is said that Cipriani named the drink after Bellini because the peachy light pink hue of the cocktail reminded him of the artist’s paintings :) Pretty good reason I think!
My Bellini was perfect! Beautiful, bubbly and lightly sweet! It felt like a very special cocktail and was definitely worth the wait :) Now to come back someday again with my mom and sister!!
YOUR EXPERIENCE AT HARRY’S BAR
When you step inside Harry’s Bar you will be welcomed into the lounge area. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed with almost a nautical feel to it. Dark wood table and chairs line one side of the room while the bar lines the other. Their chocolatey color is wrapped in the creaminess of the ceiling and walls, giving the room a rich ambiance. If you are worried about Harry’s bar being too intimidating or that you can’t take your family there….don’t worry! There is nothing about Harry’s that feels like you couldn’t come in and sit down in your vacation clothes with your three kids :) The service was friendly, timely and attentive.
Harry’s Bar is more than just a lounge, in fact it is a full service and very delicious sounding restaurant as well! You will find the restaurant upstairs from the bar but there was also service to the lounge area. Since we were only there for an aperitivo I can not speak for the taste of the food, but their presentation of it at the nearby tables was an event and it looked fantastic! Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves fully whether they were indulging on a meal or an aperitivo.
Harry’s Bar isn’t a cheap experience but it is worth it if you love history and enjoying a delightful drink in it’s birthplace! My Peach Bellini was 22 euros and it was worth every single yummy cent! Their dishes are anywhere from 24 euros to 85 euros as well but I’m sure they are mouthwatering. I like to mention when places have higher prices than others so you know what your getting yourself into…haha!
Harry’s Bar is located very close to Piazza San Marco at San Marco 1323 - Venezia, Italy 30124. They are open every day from 10:00 to 24:00.