Hotel Savoy marks its 25th anniversary with the launch of two sophisticated new spaces on Piazza della Repubblica, where design, art and hospitality come together to capture the spirit of Florence.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Hotel Savoy proudly unveils two beautifully reimagined spaces that celebrate the essence of Italian conviviality and refined hospitality. The much loved Irene Restaurant reopens for the season with a fresh new design following extensive renovations of the interior and its outdoor veranda overlooking the iconic Piazza della Repubblica, while Bar Artemisia unveils a new space that blends mixology with art.

Irene Restaurant’s new design pays homage to Lady Forte, Sir Rocco Forte’s mother. Known for her gracious spirit and impeccable taste, Lady Forte’s simple yet flavourful Italian dishes – rooted in authenticity and conviviality – serve as the inspiration for the restaurant’s renewed identity. Irene is a heartfelt ode to Tuscany, where guests are invited to come together over a convivial meal in a refined and elegant setting. Guests are welcomed into an intimate and sophisticated dining area, where rich walnut panelling and black-and-white marble floors, accented with red details create a warm and refined ambience. Fabrics by renowned Italian house Loro Piana, bespoke seating by Cinelli, and classic Venetian chandeliers evoke the inviting atmosphere of a Florentine home. Soft, ambient lighting enhances the intimate mood, while the outdoor veranda offers charming views of Piazza della Repubblica, creating the perfect setting to enjoy an al fresco dining experience.

Chef Fulvio Pierangelini is behind the restaurant’s culinary offering, with a menu that reinterprets traditional Tuscan cuisine with refined simplicity. Each dish is a tribute to Tuscan heritage, crafted with a few carefully chosen ingredients that highlight seasonality and flavour.

Located by Irene Restaurant, Bar Artemisia, pays homage to artist Artemisia Gentileschi, whose creative spirit inspired the space’s design. Drawing on the aesthetic of Caravaggio, the interiors feature decorative elements that echo his iconic style, with wallpaper that seamlessly transforms into fresco-like scenes, brought to life by the dramatic lighting conceived by design studio C14. Furniture and materials are carefully chosen by Olga Polizzi, Head of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels. The bar counter, meticulously crafted from the same rich wood as the entrance doorway, sets a refined theatrical tone for the space.

Created by Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan, Head of Mixology at Rocco Forte Hotels, the drinks menu offers a reinterpretation of the traditional Florentine aperitivo, showcasing inventive flair, through leather-aged and wine-infused cocktails complimented by unexpected ingredients such as truffles. Accompanying the cocktail selection is a curated range of local wines complimented by Tuscan-inspired small plates crafted by celebrated chef Fulvio Pierangelini.

Hotel Savoy | Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte hotel, is centrally located in Piazza della Repubblica, in the heart of Florence, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Brunelleschi Dome, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Established in 1893, the hotel’s elegant design has long made it a gathering place for Florence’s elite. Its 79 luxurious rooms and suites combine timeless Italian style with modern touches, curated by Design Director Olga Polizzi. Collaborating with local artisans and cultural institutions, Hotel Savoy has become a respected cultural hub.  Guests can enjoy authentic Italian dishes at Irene restaurant, and signature cocktails by Maestro Salvatore Calabrese at the Bar Artemisia.

Fulvio Pierangelini | Fulvio Pierangelini is loved for his research and recipes, which focus on the essence and not on mathematical perfection. Chef Fulvio’s creative personality and his great charisma, combined with his expertise in ingredients, have led to his global success. For food critics, both at home and abroad, Fulvio loves spreading the message of great cuisine, his mission since 2009 in the role of Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels’ bars and restaurants. Fulvio Pierangelini has designed the menus for the restaurants of Hotel Savoy, Hotel de Russie, Verdura Resort, Hotel de La Ville, Masseria Torre Maizza, Villa Igiea, Hotel Amigo in Brussels, Hotel de Rome in Berlin and the Charles in Monaco. Each restaurant has its own identity and its own story to tell through the menus designed by Chef Pierangelini, who focuses his menus on the ingredients and flavours of every region.

Salvatore Calabrese | Known as “The Maestro”, he is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the world of mixology. A former President of the United Kingdom Bartenders’ Guild, for over forty years he has been crafting exceptional drinks in some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, private clubs and cocktail bars. His signature creations are celebrated by the international jet set, royalty and celebrities alike. A best-selling author and collector of antique spirits, he pioneered the concept of liquid history to document and honour vintage drinks. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious title of Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana – a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry and his unwavering commitment to promoting Italian culture on the global stage.