King Cole Bar's Iconic Status in NYC: Featured In The Devil Wears Prada
Source: King Cole Bar
The History Of King Cole Bar
Nestled within the heart of New York City's bustling hospitality landscape, the King Cole Bar stands as a timeless emblem, etching its presence into the very fabric of the city's cultural narrative.
The bar's namesake, drawn from an English nursery rhyme, sets the tone for an atmosphere steeped in whimsy and sophistication.
Its legacy, history, and central location, has rendered it not just an establishment but an enduring landmark that has gracefully withstood the test of time. Situated within the St. Regis Hotel, a historical gem in its own right, the King Cole Bar has shared a symbiotic journey with the city's evolution, narrating a story that spans over a century.
Crafted by the visionary John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, the St. Regis Hotel heralded a new era of hospitality, introducing New Yorkers to the concept of lavish accommodations and exquisite service. The hotel swiftly became a magnet for the city's elite, a place where luminaries gathered to indulge in the pleasures of refined living. The King Cole Bar, nestled within this architectural masterpiece, inherited the mantle of elegance and exclusivity, aligning seamlessly with the hotel's ethos and catering to the discerning tastes of its patrons.
At the heart of the King Cole Bar's allure lies its reputation as a purveyor of classic cocktails, and while Bloody Mary’s take center stage here, they do an excellent job making martinis as well. The legendary Red Snapper, a delightful version of the Bloody Mary, was birthed within the bar's hallowed confines in the 1930s. This signature concoction, a harmonious blend of flavors that delight the palate, has emerged as a timeless testament to the bar's legacy of innovation and mastery.
A masterpiece of artistry adorns the King Cole Bar, infusing the ambiance with an artistic dimension that transcends time. The mural by the renowned American artist Maxfield Parrish, depicting the whimsical King Cole and his royal court, stands as an exquisite centerpiece that captivates patrons and visitors alike. This visual symphony, alive with color and narrative, transforms the bar's interiors into an immersive experience that marries history, art, and ambiance into a harmonious symphony.
The King Cole Bar's appeal transcends mere geography; it's a beacon that beckons to both travelers and locals, offering an oasis of respite within the urban tapestry of New York City. Its classic elegance, storied past, and timeless libations converge to create an enclave that invites patrons to step back in time while savoring the pleasures of the present. In a city that thrives on its dynamism, the King Cole Bar stands as an anchor, an ethereal connection to the past that continues to flourish in the present, crafting a narrative that intertwines with the city's collective memory.
Source: Squarespace/ Unsplash
The Bar’s Perseverance
Throughout its storied existence, the King Cole Bar has stood as a resilient bastion, weathering the storms of history that have shaped the world around it. From enduring the economic turmoil of the Great Depression to withstanding the aftermath of the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks, the bar, and NYC, have displayed an indomitable spirit that has fortified it against adversities. Yet, even in its impressive lineage of challenges overcome, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic presented an unparalleled obstacle, one that posed a profound threat to its very survival.
As the pandemic swept across the globe, the hospitality industry, including beloved establishments like the King Cole Bar, found itself in the throes of unprecedented disruption. The threat to public health necessitated the closure of doors that had welcomed patrons for generations, a stark departure from the bar's legacy of hospitality and conviviality. The vibrancy of its interiors, once adorned with laughter and clinking glasses, gave way to an eerie silence as the bar grappled with a hiatus that extended for several agonizing months. The bar also saw an 8 month renovation and reopened in September of 2024.
The St. Regis Hotel's efforts to keep King Cole Bar alive through the years has been successful. Despite the challenges of the all of the difficult events that have befallen NYC, including the pandemic, the bar has been able to remain open and continue serving its loyal customers. The bar's resilience throughout time stands as a testament to the strength of the hospitality industry in New York City.
Source: The Devil Wears Prada
Reputation In Popular Culture
The legacy of the King Cole Bar extends beyond its rich history and legendary cocktails; it's a reputation further solidified by its prominent appearances in the annals of popular culture.
Among its notable accolades in the realm of popular culture, the bar found itself in the spotlight in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, a cinematic tour de force starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. In this serendipitous intersection of reality and fiction, the King Cole Bar served as more than just a backdrop; it became a pivotal setting that added depth and intrigue to the storyline.
For Anne Hathaway's character, Andy, this legendary establishment serves as the locale where pivotal encounters unfold. It's where the curtains are drawn back, revealing the fast paced world of high fashion where deals take place in low-key backroom settings in order to satisfy key opinion leaders like Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of Runway magazine portrayed by Meryl Streep.
While only featured in the film for a handful of seconds, the bar's iconic charm and timeless sophistication allows a captivated audience to vicariously step into Andy's shoes and experience the intoxicating blend of elegance and intrigue that the King Cole Bar embodies against the backdrop of NYC.
The symbiotic relationship between the King Cole Bar and The Devil Wears Prada is a testament to the allure of iconic locales in New York City, and how they contribute to the city's multifaceted narrative. The bar's cameo in the film serves as a conduit between two worlds – that of fiction and reality – bridging the gap between a celebrated cinematic moment and a tangible destination that visitors can experience firsthand. This cinematic accolade does more than simply affirm the bar's status; it introduces the King Cole Bar to a new generation of potential patrons who may have been unacquainted with its storied history and ambience.
Moreover, the film's resonating popularity inadvertently contributes to the bustling tourism scene in New York City. As viewers worldwide are transported into the heart of Manhattan through the magic of cinema, the allure of visiting iconic locations like the King Cole Bar is heightened. The film's success doesn't just enrich the lives of cinema enthusiasts; it also breathes life into local establishments like the King Cole Bar, bolstering footfall and reinforcing its place as an indelible facet of the city's cultural tapestry.
In the interplay between reality and the silver screen, the King Cole Bar emerges as a bridge connecting worlds, a testament to the profound impact of popular culture on the urban landscape. As its reputation shines through the lens of cinema, it transcends the role of a bar and becomes an integral part of New York's narrative.
Conclusion
King Cole Bar is an institution in New York City that has survived many challenges over the years. The bar's classic cocktails and elegant atmosphere have made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge, but the bar's management team was able to find a way to keep it afloat unlike some other notable institutions that couldn’t cut it like “The 21 Club,” may it rest in peace.
The bar's appearances in popular culture, including in The Devil Wears Prada, have also helped to solidify its status as an iconic establishment in the city. King Cole Bar's resilience and popularity are a testament to the strength of the hospitality industry in New York City.
