In the vibrant heart of Bloomsbury, the Coral Room stands as a beacon of refined elegance and innovative mixology, spearheaded by Giovanni Spezziga.
Giovanni’s vision for The Coral Room transcends mere cocktails; he seeks to create an unparalleled guest experience, blending stunning design with exceptional service. With a commitment to sustainable practices and a keen eye for innovation, Giovanni is crafting a future where the art of hospitality thrives.
How did it all start?
I discovered my love for hospitality early on, at just sixteen years old “bartending” at the luxurious Bar Il Portico at Hotel Cervo in Sardinia, followed by a stint at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Italy. I made the move to London in 2004 where I became a bartender at the Rockwell Bar in The Trafalgar Hotel. During my two years in that unique and boutique hotel, the Rockwell Bar was awarded Time Out’s ‘Best Bar Award’ and London Evening Standard’s ‘Bar of the Year’. I count myself lucky that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life very early on! I suppose I’ve been interested in the hospitality industry from a young age, and Italy was the perfect place for exposure to the importance of true luxury service with personality and style.
Tell us about The Coral Room and what makes it so special?
The Coral Room is a bar like no other set in the heart of Bloomsbury. Designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki, for me, the vibrant grand salon bar reflects an exquisite country house transported to the city. Housed within The Bloomsbury Hotel, a Lutyens, Grade-II listed building, The Coral Room’s distinctive coral-coloured walls alongside 36 bespoke pieces of original art and impressive Murano glasses chandeliers, reflect the building’s iconic heritage. The design showcases a contemporary flair, making it a space perfect for today’s modern social crowd. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful property, steeped with heritage and filled with eccentric and exciting concepts throughout. However, it is the team that brings this iconic bar to life and keeps our guests returning time and time – this is what I am personally most proud of.
What is the secret to creating a world-class bar experience?
Over the years, I have worked on several different hotel or bar openings and creative projects with luxury brands – and I never find myself bored! Seven years ago, I received a call from The Doyle Collection with an offer to oversee the opening of The Coral Room, develop new beverage concepts and revitalise the existing “lobby area” with dynamic service and cocktails – from the beginning, I felt that we would create a unique experience for guests and one that I believe continues now.
You are well known for your sharp suits and Italian style. What are your top three style tips?
Italians have a gift for looking effortlessly chic, taking timeless pieces and making them their own with a classic but peculiar flair. I think buying high-quality and well-crafted items is essential. And lastly, never forget the all-important sunglasses in any Italian wardrobe!
What new cocktails or drinks partnerships are you currently working on?
Our current menu is called The Great Irish Tour and is inspired by our proud Irish ownership. We worked with the amazing and internationally regarded Irish illustrator Steve McCarthy on the collection, and each cocktail is inspired by the natural flavours and myths associated with a selection of Irish counties. However, it is the expert talent of our team behind the bar that makes each cocktail special. We are already dreaming up our 2025 menu – full of surprises and unique stories to be discovered.
What is next for the luxury hotel bar scene in London?
London’s luxury hotel bars are renowned around the world, setting the standard for fine service in opulent settings, backed by strong drinks such as classic martinis with tableside preparation.
I think sustainable and ethical practices have shifted from a niche concern to a mainstream expectation across hotels, driven by growing consumer awareness of environmental and social impacts. This approach not only promotes ongoing creativity in the bar and beverage world but also encourages mindful use of available resources.
What would you say to someone who wants a career in hospitality?
The skills you will learn in a hospitality-based role are transferable on a global scale. You will develop wonderful abilities including how to exceed a guest’s expectations, how to communicate effectively and how to work as part of a team. So, no matter where you see your career heading, a job in hospitality will always provide a beneficial experience that will last a lifetime.
If you could award a Michelin star in mixology right now, who would it be to and why?
To gain a Michelin star a bar needs to offer a unique experience, from the welcome to the team, and the food of course. And after that comes the menu, which needs to be unique and innovative. So, we’re talking about experience, knowledge, quality, innovation. It’s all those points that need to be in place. I think one of the most talked-about bartenders of the last 15 years, Simone Caporale is renowned for his distinctive personal style and service, pushing the boundaries of what a cocktail menu could be to create an iconic experience.
What will the London cocktail scene look like in 5 years?
We’ll look at the cocktails that guests have been going wild for. From minimalist masterpieces to umami bombs, it’s time to experiment with new flavours and techniques. Fewer ingredients can mean less waste, but minimalist cocktails don’t just benefit the environment. The guests can appreciate the quality and flavour of the ingredients you use even more – allowing all components of your cocktail to shine. Many of the world’s best bars are using savoury, umami ingredients to create complex flavour profiles in their drinks. Umami cocktail ingredients are predicted to remain a hit with guests in 2025 including tahini, miso, mushrooms and seaweed.
What is next for you and The Coral Room?
Since its launch, The Coral Room has been nominated for both GQ’s Food and Drink Awards ‘Best Hotel Bar’ and Tales of The Cocktail’s ‘Best Hotel Bar in Europe’ and International Hotel Bar. The awards are very beneficial to motivate the team, and it is a great story to share with our guests who proudly support us. This of course in turn adds pressure for us to always deliver, but we try not to let this affect us and focus on exceeding guest expectations through our service and drinks choices. We are extremely excited about the launch of the new cocktail menu – we have worked tirelessly to create an incredible portfolio of cocktails that celebrate the true craftsmanship and essence of mixology that looks beautiful, tastes exceptional and evokes emotion with our guests.
Discover more at Giovanni Spezziga and The Coral Room
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All imagery courtesy of The Doyle Collection / Giovanni Spezziga.