Beyond the Bellini

Lessons in luxury from Harry’s Bar, Venice

Nestled in the heart of Venice, where the Grand Canal meets the Venetian lagoon, there is a small establishment which has stood the testament of timeless luxury- Harry’s Bar Cipriani.

Not only has it weathered the time of literal tides, but it has also defined how to successfully navigate through the changes and trends for nearly a century by staying true to its personality and principles.

Harry’s bar was founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, a small bar started with money from a repaid loan. Legend has it that in 1928 Giuseppe had helped Harry Pickering, an American who had run out of money in Italy and requested Giuseppe to pay his hotel bill and get him a ticket to go back to States. After two years Harry came back to Italy, repaid the loan with gratitude for Giuseppe to open the bar, Giuseppe decided to call it Harry’s.

Today Cipriani’s has come a long way. From a small place in Venice, it is now a global empire of almost 30 locations.

Behind its unassuming facade lies a world where time has stood still, the warm glow of mahogany interiors and soft lighting envelopes you. There is gentle murmur of conversation which creates an atmosphere of discreet conviviality. After we settled in our seats by the bar, we were greeted with grace and our server anticipated our needs before we could voice them. Being seated at the bar at Harry’s is like the front row seat in the opera, the drinks were being prepared with such dedication and almost like clockwork. The legendary Bellini, born within these very walls, a perfect union of white peach puree and prosecco that dances across the palate like no other cocktail you've ever sipped. Surprisingly it is served in small juice glass and not flute as one would expect. Its delicate flavour is a testament to the bar's dedication to quality and simplicity. A quick chat with our server revealed that the corner table was Ernest Hemingway’s usual spot and his favourite drink Martini which they serve Montgomery style - 15 parts gin to 1 part extra dry vermouth.

The Cipriani philosophy - an unwavering commitment to understated elegance and impeccable service which can be seen in every aspect of the experience from the simplicity of the decor to the precision of each cocktail. The Cipriani approach teaches us that true luxury isn't about ostentation, but it’s about creating an environment where every detail is carefully considered and every guest feels extraordinary.

Harry's isn't about chasing the latest mixology trends. It's about savoring perfectly crafted classic cocktails. The Bellini, named after Giovanni Bellini was invented here in 1948 and remains unchanged and the Martini which is still served in tiny glass as it used to keep it cold in olden days. Similarly, the Carpaccio, named after the Renaissance painter, showcases how innovation can become tradition. Harry’s signature items remind us that in luxury creating something truly iconic often means elevating simplicity to an art form.

The service at Harry's Bar is a masterclass in attentiveness without intrusion. The staff moves with a practiced ease, anticipating your needs with an almost telepathic precision. This level of service is a result of rigorous training and a culture that values the art of hospitality. For luxury brands, this underscores the importance of investing in human capital and fostering a service-oriented mindset throughout to leave a lasting impression.

Harry's Bar has hosted luminaries from Ernest Hemingway to George Clooney, but it has never relied on this star power for its appeal. It stays true to the the way Giuseppe intended it to be, a haven where everyone is treated with equal reverence, ‘treat people like kings and kings like people’. This is a democratic approach to luxury, where the experience itself is the star. It offers a valuable lesson in creating environments that are exclusive yet inclusive.

The Bar has remained largely unchanged since its inception. This proves that true style transcends trends. The simple elegance of the place and the intimate scale of the space all contribute to an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply comforting. This consistency in design allows them to create a strong visual identity and it allows patrons to form deep, lasting connections with the space.

Lessons in Luxury from Harry’s bar:

1. Maintain core offerings and standards and evolve subtly
2. Excellence lies in the details
3. Signature items can become powerful brand symbols
4. Personalised service is the hallmark of true luxury
5. Define your principles and stay true to them

Harry’s bar stays relevant even almost after a century because it believes in its power to staying true to its identity and by perfecting the fundamentals of hospitality

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