The Bottega Prosecco Bar at Istanbul Airport Sandro Bottega Interviewed
Peter Marshall (PM): Welcome to trunblocked.com, Sandro. Can we start this conversation with you sharing some of the history behind the Bottega bar. What was the inspiration and what you see as your DNA?
Sandro Bottega (SB): Many thanks for inviting me, Peter. It’s a pleasure to have a chat with you. Well, “Prosecco Bar” is a concept I created with the aim of exalting the excellence of our country and delighting the palate of the consumers. More specifically, it is based on the philosophy of the Venetian bacaro, that is an informal osteria where food is presented both as ‘cicheti’ – appetisers to be eaten at the counter, as well as more structured dishes to be served at table. Not only Prosecco, but also other sparkling and still wines are served, in order to widen the range and offer the right food & wine pairing.
The Prosecco Bar format was launched in 2014 on board Viking Group’s Cinderella ship, which operates on the Baltic Sea. Over the years we have opened several venues, such as the international airports of Rome Fiumicino, Dubai, London Stansted, Venice, Birmingham, Bologna, Milan Malpensa and the two Bulgarian airports of Burgas and Varna. Not only at airports, but also locations such as the BOKAN 38th & 39th Rooftop Bar in London, the terrace of the Slaughterhouse in Guernsey (Channel Islands), the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Muscat in Oman, the British racecourses of Bath and Windsor. In Italy, our Prosecco Bar opened at Belluno and Naples railway station, too, with a different formula.
PM: We recently had the opportunity to film your excellent new bar and cafe at Istanbul airport. Even recorded on a Samsung flip 3 mobile, the quality is simply outstanding. It’s located just behind ATU’s Luxury Square, and although not immediately visible, when you do see it, well, the wow factor just kicks in. Two questions here. Was this a tailored design for the airport and has the location worked for you?
SB: The location is prestigious indeed, as we are surrounded by well-known luxury and fashion brands. This position in the heart of the commercial area of the airport has boosted the reputation of our brand. Prosecco Bar is becoming the right place to relax during shopping and to enjoy a glass of wine and eat some tasty dish, while waiting for the next flight.
PM: It’s early days, of course, as you only opened three months ago, but what have your learnings been?
SB: I have to say the impact was immediately positive. We have registered interest and curiosity from travelers, the concept is really appreciated. Obviously there are some aspects to improve, as every venue is different from the others.
PM: It’s a bar and a cafe. Interesting to see the range of liquor brands on offer as well as Bottega’s own distinctive prosecco range, wine and gin offerings. But, other than the overall design, the quality of build and the seating, what stood out for me especially was the food. I understand that it’s freshly cooked every day on the premises. Tell us more.
SB: The project’s mainstay is the “Perfect Match” – that is the ideal pairing of typical food from Italian regional cuisine and the different wines offered by Bottega. This is not a selection of starred recipes difficult to reproduce, but a coherent ensemble of traditional dishes that can satisfy palates from every latitude. The wide range of wines, including Prosecco, sparkling wines made from the finest grape varieties, prestigious reds (such as Amarone, Brunello di Montalcino, Ripasso), dessert wines, young and aged grappas, together with a wide range of fruit and cream-based liqueurs, makes us a leading player in the beverage sector, able to fully satisfy consumers’ tastes.
PM: Ok, this is a suitable point to take a quick look at the video.
