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24 Hours In Athens With Charlotte Forsyth
16/11/23
Author: Ingrid Kesa
DOCUMENTED BY: @charforsyth
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As the co-founder of ultra chic London-based supper club Hands, Charlotte Forsyth knows a thing or two about a great bite to eat.
Documented By: @charforsyth
As the co-founder of ultra chic London-based supper club Hands, Charlotte Forsyth knows a thing or two about a great bite to eat.
Her dreamy Instagram grid is a canvas showcasing unforgettable moments of sublime meals from across the globe, each framed by the celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Among these captured memories are the artful creations from Florence's cult bakery All'Antico Vinaio, highlighting the beauty of locally sourced produce, and the carefully crafted sashimi at Notting Hill's Kuro, where the essence of the dish lies in the freshness of the ingredients.
Forsyth was recently in Athens, a city known for its Acropolis, rich political history, and, of course, its food. “I was with one of my best friends who was on the cusp of her third trimester of her first baby. I had been when I was much younger with my family, so it was an amazing experience to be back,” she says. Below, she shares her guide for the ultimate 24 hours in Athens, a destination she describes as “vibrant, bustling, energetic and fun.”
Morning
Breakfast in bed
Documented By: @charforsyth
Morning
Breakfast in bed
As a ritual, Forsyth always likes to order room service when staying at hotels. She delights in what is to be found hidden beneath each polished cloche, from the comfort of bed.
“I stayed at the boutique hotel Mona and loved their breakfast. They can bring it to you in bed or you can have it downstairs, but the beds are so comfy I’d recommend having it in bed!”
Coffee at Morning Bar or Anana
After slowly getting ready, as one tends to do on holiday, Forsyth suggests wandering down to Morning Bar for a coffee. The intimate, Scandinavian-style space serves coffee from Greek company Area 51, along with pastries and pistachio cake. Another strong contender for your morning caffeine hit is Anana, a specialist coffee shop who roast their own beans in-house and offer vegetarian and vegan treats.
Try the traditional Greek yogurt at Stani
Documented By: @charforsyth
Try the traditional Greek yogurt at Stani
The last old-school dairy bar in Athens, Stani has been operating in the city centre since 1931. For more than 80 years, this family-run shop has been making traditional Greek yogurt using time-honoured techniques and sheep’s milk. It’s served with a thin crust on top, and is plated the Greek way: covered in golden honey and crisp walnuts.
Afternoon
Visit the Acropolis
Documented By: @charforsyth
Afternoon
Visit the Acropolis
Perched on a hill in the basin of Athens, the Acropolis has served as a citadel, religious centre and home of kings. Built in the 5th century BC in honour of Athena, the patron goddess of the city, it has withstood earthquakes and upheavals to still stand tall today. “Definitely do the Acropolis,” says Forsyth. “It’s madly busy but very, very beautiful and the history is fascinating.”
Browse antiques
An array of eclectic vendors gather in Avissynias Square to form the Monastiraki Flea Market. “The antiques part is incredible, there are so many treasures!” explains Forsyth. Whether you’re pursuing furniture and goods from decades past or flashy touristy trinkets, the Monastiraki Flea Market is a dynamic and bustling environment to wile away some time in.
Lunch at Diporto and LS and Sia
Documented By: @charforsyth
Lunch at Diporto and LS and Sia
“I’m all about getting in as many lunch spots as possible,” Forsyth tells us. She suggests first going to Diporto early – at about 11.30am – to get one of only six tables, each decorated with a plastic gingham tablecloth. An institution in the city, this traditional taverna has been going strong for the last 130 years. Don’t expect a menu, but do expect rotating seasonal dishes. The next lunch stop is Michelin-starred ‘new age taverna’ Linou Soumpasis k sia. The open plan kitchen pumps out contemporary takes on Greek classics. “It’s absolutely incredible food,” says Forsyth.
Evening
Drinks before dinner at Wine Is Fine
Documented By: @charforsyth
Evening
Drinks before dinner at Wine Is Fine
Positioned in the Monastiraki area of downtown Athens, Wine Is Fine is a small neighbourhood bar specialising in “natural wines and great snacks,” according to Forsyth. Enjoy a glass of something delicious while people-watching as you sit outside on the pavement. There’s a concise menu that’s updated regularly based on available ingredients, and crunchy baguettes sourced from nearby bakery Tromero Paidi that are served with butter.
Dinner at Pharaoh
“Pharaoh is a great evening spot,” says Forsyth, adding, “sit overlooking the bar!” This wine-bar-come-restaurant uses a wood fired oven, infusing its dishes with a rich and smoky flavour. The chefs are inspired by family recipes passed down from their grandmothers and mothers, think chestnuts stewed in a glossy onion sauce.
Sleep at Mona
Part concept hotel, part multidisciplinary creative space, Mona offers just 20 rooms inside a converted factory first built in the 50s. “It’s gorgeous and so central, right near the Acropolis, flea markets, and plenty of restaurants,” says Forsyth. The minimal interiors feature poured concrete walls and exposed beams, that are softened with vintage furniture and ceiling-to-floor white linen curtains.
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Documented By: @charforsyth
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