The Bar Room's covered terrace
Peter Garland opened a new bar last night that comes integrated into his Canon Drive restaurant Porta Via, which began as a simple take-out sandwich shop in the mid-Nineties before transforming into a full-service eatery that frequently sees celebrity faces among its neighborhood clientele. Named The Bar Room, this new lounge was designed by Garland's wife, Jill, who runs V Vintage jewelry across the street. She oversaw the conception of a covered terrace with a large glass-topped table made of antique iron in front, looking in on two interior rooms with wild, patterned wallpaper, small chandeliers, and charcoal leather couches inside. So, what's to eat?
The Bar Room, in step with current trends, serves classic cocktails and small plates taken from Porta Via, including plates of its ceviche, burgers, grilled pizza, taquitos, and sweet potato bleu cheese fries. The restaurant and the lounge are inter-connected and Garland says he hopes The Bar Room will "help Beverly Hills overcome its reputation as an 'early-to-bed' town." Also hoping to entice guests to, well, get there early, Garland is offering a three-hour happy hour from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. with half-priced drinks and free apps until April 15th.
The Bar Room, now open at 424 North Canon Dr. Beverly Hills. 310-274-6534.
The Bar Room's InteriorThe Bar Room
