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Gamay wine bar grows up and moves to Monastiraki
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Gamay wine bar grows up and moves to Monastiraki

From Kathimerini · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Gamay, a popular wine bar that opened in late 2023, has moved from its original location in Exarcheia to a larger space in Monastiraki.
  • The move was prompted by the success of the first location, which quickly outgrew its small space and limited wine cellar capacity.
  • The new Gamay features three levels, a larger cellar, outdoor seating, and retains the intimate atmosphere and focus on personal wine recommendations that defined the original bar.

Gamay, the intimate wine bar that quickly became a neighborhood favorite, has relocated from Exarcheia to a more spacious venue in Monastiraki. Founded in late 2023 by Giannis Pappas, Thodoris Alexakis, and Alexandros Papadopoulos, Gamay was conceived as a place where wine was approached with a personal touch, focusing on the diner's preferences, the meal, and the desired atmosphere.

It wasn't just about suggesting a few bottles; he started asking me what I liked, what I was going to cook, who I would be drinking with, and what mood I wanted the evening to have.

— Giannis PappasDescribing his initial approach to customers at a wine shop, which later inspired the concept for Gamay.

The original Gamay, described by Pappas as "first a bar and then a wine bar," quickly gained popularity. Its success, however, meant it soon outgrew its modest premises. "We didn't have time to enjoy it," Pappas humorously remarked, explaining that the bar's popularity necessitated a move to a larger space. The team sought a venue that could accommodate more wine storage, allow for events, and host guest chefs for special menus.

We didn't have time to enjoy it.

— Giannis PappasHumorously explaining the reason for moving Gamay to a larger location due to its rapid success.

The new Gamay, located at Nikiou 18, near Monastiraki, now spans three levels, including a basement cellar, and offers outdoor seating. The interior design, by Markos Marambotos, maintains the original bar's aesthetic, ensuring it feels like an expanded version rather than a completely new establishment. The focus remains on fostering a sense of intimacy, good music, and engaging conversations, now with more room to breathe.

It's not a completely new place using the same name, but rather the larger version of the same bar. The intimacy, the music, and the vibe remain the same; they just have more space to move and breathe now.

— Article narratorDescribing the continuity of Gamay's atmosphere despite the move to a larger venue.

Situated at the intersection of Nikiou and Miltiadou, the new location offers a relatively quiet corner in the heart of the city, just minutes from Monastiraki. Pappas expressed his fondness for the new neighborhood, noting the presence of other quality establishments like Tales of Ales, Feyrouz, and Ateno. This vibrant community, combined with the bar's expanded capacity, promises to build upon the success of the original Gamay.

I really like it here, and our neighbors too.

— Giannis PappasExpressing his satisfaction with the new location in Monastiraki.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathimerini in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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