1609 restaurant to open Saturday (Update 1)

It could become Hamilton’s newest hot spot.

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess will open the 1609 bar and restaurant this weekend. 

As part of the hotel’s $90 million renovation, 30 people will be employed there, 25 of which will be new jobs for the resort.

George Terpilowski, managing director of Fairmont Bermuda, said: “We are confident that the stunning location, complemented by the menu and proximity to town, will make 1609 a popular after work spot. 

The restaurant takes its name after the year the Sea Venture crashed on the reefs in Bermuda. 

Mr Terpilowski said 1609  “is situated in one of Bermuda’s most breathtaking locations, offering stunning views of Hamilton Harbour from every vantage. It is designed to offer a casual atmosphere, with a unique alfresco cocktail and dining experience, unlike anything else in Bermuda.”

He said the elevated location of 1609 “with the open-air concept gives the feeling of being right on the water.”

The restaurant opens Saturday at 11am and will close 10pm nightly. It will only be opened seasonally from early spring to late fall, serving lunch dinner and cocktails.

Starting on Friday, June 6, the restaurant will be having Marina Nights on the dock.

Appetizers and small plates will cost between $9-$18; Burgers and sandwiches will cost between $18-$20; Flat bread pizzas are $20; Entrees are $24-$38 and cocktails are $10-$18. 

George Terpilowski full remarks:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning and welcome to the new 1609 Bar and Restaurant here at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess. We are so happy to have you here to get a first look at the newest addition to our iconic hotel, which as you know is part of a more than ninety million dollar renovation.

Just as The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is steeped in history, 1609 was named to honour the year that survivors of the Sea Venture wreck became the Island’s first settlers.

Inspired by its natural surroundings, 1609, as you can see, is situated in one of Bermuda’s most breathtaking locations, offering stunning views of Hamilton Harbour from every vantage.  It is designed to offer a casual atmosphere, with a unique alfresco cocktail and dining experience, unlike anything else in Bermuda.

The interior of 1609 is meant to reflect a laidback, beach atmosphere with clean, simple lines and neutral colours of sandy tan incorporating teak and Spanish cedar. The seating areas have been designed so that each person is able to enjoy the panoramic seascape. Being elevated with the open-air concept gives the feeling of being right on the water.

From May 24, the restaurant will be open seasonally from early spring to late fall from 11am to 10pm, serving lunch, dinner and cocktails to hotel guests, locals and even boaters. The menu features an eclectic mix of starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers and flatbread pizza and reservations are not required.

The bar offers a wide selection of wines and champagnes, as well as a menu of signature cocktails such as the luxury frozen Mai Tai and Hamilton punch.

We’re confident that the combination of the location, the cocktails and the food will make 1609 Bermuda’s new summertime hotspot for locals, tourists and boaters. And please remember that from June 6th, we will be having marina nights on Fridays right over there on the dock.

We are also proud to announced that as a result of the opening of the new restaurant, 25 new jobs have been created.