STAY > Ergon Bakehouse, Athens Greece (16/20)

Rise + Rest. The tag line for the converted bakehouse is based on letting the dough rise and then rest. This is reflected throughout the entire experience. Ergon Bakehouse is a calming and charming oasis from the hard lines and concrete of Athens central tourist district.  Tucked in between the shopping district and at the foot of the acropolis you are enveloped by a chilled simplicity.  

SLEEP >

The accommodation, even if in a small room, is spatial and serene and has very comfortable bedding, a glorious bathroom and a wonderful mix of spartan simplicity and calming softness. 

EAT > 

Two offerings for dinner, quite different to each other on offer here. The Rooftop bar 72+ and restaurant has a more casual feel and flair.  Share plates and crisp dry Greek sparkling wines were a perfect way to avoid the heat of the day. The Mother ship Ergon, two doors down from the Bakehouse, has a lobby restaurant attached to the gourmet grocer.  The grill offerings were melt in your mouth. It will be unavoidable to have food envy watching other people’s meals come out but there is only so much you can eat. The fresh selection avoids the feeling of being overwhelmed by the summer heat impacting your appetite.  

The Bakehouse is in a bakehouse that sells its baked goods to a steady stream of tourists and locals alike. Each time I walked past the shop front there was a line that was swiftly moving. Highlights were the monkey bread, spanakopita, the feta croissant, the lemon cinnamon scroll, ….well everything, everything was carb heaven. The highlight was a daily special roll that was in essence a Greek salad in fresh sourdough roll.  The best Freddo Cappucino we had in Athens. 

DRINK >

Bar Rum ba was the highlight tiki bar on tour and within 5 mins walking of Bakehouse. In this heat, my go to is the simple daiquiri which was just the ticket. Sit at the bar rather than the streets or tables. The way they slung the rum was entertaining and the playlist was excellent. 

A little more low key and afternoon reprieve was Bless Me Father. Their deco inspired fit out was rich and lush but this is a place you want to be people watching on the street tables. Their signature cocktail Green is the New Black was a particular highlight. 

WORKOUT / PLAY >

Apart from being overwhelmed by the cradle of democracy and ancient wonders I got to see a rock concert in the  Lycabettus ampitheatre as sun set across Athens.

Benaki Museum was the most enjoyable of the museums on offer and it had an excellent flow of Greek history from ancient to contemporary. The works are far more consumable than the big ancients museums.

The Acropolis was a must- obviously- but we opted to earliest entry tour before the crowds and the heat hit. It is the only way to go.

Acropolis Museum – I split the days between Acropolis and museum day. This ended up being a good way to absorb the information provided and a sense of the conservation and history. The top level of the museum – don’t miss it or go there first and then head back to the start. The top floor is an atrium that is the true dimension of the Parthenon with a close up to the friezes of the pantheon. 

LOCATION > 

Downtown and close to the action. Walking distance to the Acropolis, Benaki, the Palace, shopping and nightlife.

CONCLUSION >

Sophisticated, beautiful sanctuary before and after you island hop around Greece. 

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Image Credit | Ergon Bakehouse

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