WHY IT RATES: Everdene aspires to be the ideal example of Fog City's rooftop culture. -Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Everdene, the highly anticipated 12th story rooftop bar and lounge, is now open at the new Virgin Hotels San Francisco located at 250 4th Street in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. Named after Bathsheba Everdene, the heroine of British author Thomas Hardy's 1874 novel, Far From The Madding Crowd, Everdene is an archetype of the strong, independent woman this bar pays homage to in a city that celebrates strong women and those who love them.
Everdene features a creative selection of cocktails, as well as delicious shareable dishes from Virgin Hotels San Francisco's talented executive chef Adrian Garcia. True to the roots of Sir Richard Branson's iconic Virgin brand, Everdene is complete with a well-rounded entertainment program.
On the new rooftop, the guest experience is enhanced by an eclectic soundtrack of savvy sets from hand-selected DJs and live performances across multiple genres such as electronic, vintage funk and soul, indie rock, and hip hop.
The Vibe
As one of the few rooftops in the city, the 4,000 square foot urban oasis offers a modern and lush garden of delights with breathtaking skyline views. Designed in partnership with Gensler San Francisco, the indoor/outdoor rooftop features multiple spaces to take in the views of the city offering a vantage point to Nob Hill, downtown, SOMA, and Twin Peaks.
Guests enter through the grand penthouse foyer with ornate black and white marble floors, lacquered walls and an intricate gold leaf ceiling above. From the foyer, guests enter The Salon, which houses a 25-foot wraparound bar. Above, wood ceilings are an ode to the redwoods of Northern California. Enclosed by an impressive operable facade, The Salon can instantly become an outdoor experience, effortlessly extending to the lush garden space.
Everdene also features two intimate lounges, ideal for private parties or exclusive gatherings. The Patio, with a view to Nob Hill and downtown San Francisco, features a large community table. A large porthole window emblazoned with a starburst motif connects the garden back to the salon and acts as the backdrop for lively music.
The Secret Garden, which is accessible through a signature Virgin-red garden gate crowned with foliage from the surrounding lattice, is filled with comfortable seating alcoves featuring a worldly mix of colors, patterns and hand-carved details.
DJs are situated for maximum indoor/outdoor exposure and drive the tempo throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Music is a fundamental component of the Virgin Hotels DNA, setting the tone for the room and encouraging interaction between guests. The picturesque rooftop experience offers an escape from everyday life, even if only until setting foot back on the ground outside of the hotel.
The Drinks
The beverage program at Everdene features a selection of well-prepared cocktails with a special attention to sourcing off-the-beaten-path ingredients that focus on natural surroundings, with the name of each drink borrowed from lines of the bar's namesake novel. Cocktails are made using combinations of unique spirits, house-pressed juices, artisanal bitters, proper ice, and colorful garnishes.
Approachable but serious, the cocktails utilize the freshest ingredients available with flora-based recipes featuring herbs and spices, vegetables, fruits, barks, roots, and flowers. Highlights from the cocktail menu include:
Love, Honor and Betrayal: Spring 44 Gin, Apricot, Lemon Juice, Lavender, Pommery Sparkling Wine
Her Majesty's Pleasure: Tapatio Blanco, Cucumber, Snap Peas, Mint, Lime juice
Maiden's Blush: Bacardi 8 Year Rum, Lemon Juice, Ginger, Beet, Pineapple
Groups of Everdene guests can get the garden party started communally with the bar's large-format cocktails. Playful concoctions available by the liter serve eight and include:
Heavenly Golden Moments: Lairds Apple Brandy, Ballard Lane Chardonnay, Chandon Brut Sparkling Wine
Midsummer Revelry: Macchu Pisco, Tempus Fugit Creme De Noyaux, Ballard Lane Pinot Noir
Twilight Walk: Absolut Elyx Vodka, Kiwi, Lime Juice, Lychee, Soda Water
Revived With The Spring: Chareau, Mango, Galangal, Lime Juice, Soda Water
Because of its proximity to wine country, Everdene also features a playful yet extensive wine by the glass program, highlighting mostly California wines and an elegant champagne and sparkling wine selection.
The Food
The menu at Everdene offers fresh and approachable creations by Quince and Benu alum, Chef Adrian Garcia. Thoughtfully sourced ingredients are prepared to be enjoyed in the spirit of the space: fun, shareable, and a perfect complement to the cocktail menu and convivial atmosphere. Highlights from the menu include:
Frito Misto with Chipotle and Meyer Lemon
Tuna Tostada with Crema, Preserved Lemon, and Radish
Market Vegetable Tacos with Salsa Roja, Corn Tortillas, Pepita
Everdene hopes to become the ideal of what a rooftop bar and lounge in Fog City should be, with entertainment that reflects and satiates the city's culture-hungry community. Eventually, programming will include sunrise yoga classes, skyline cinema nights, activated brunches, and more.
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