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The House opens its panoramic bar on the rooftop terrace of the Gatebourse Tower in Cognac.
Indigo by Martell is located right at the heart of the Martell historic site, 24 metres up at the top of the Gatebourse Tower which houses the Fondation d'entreprise Martell, and offers spectacular views over the rooftops of Cognac, from the historic town centre to the banks of the Charente river. The vast, open terrace bar has been designed as the perfect place to meet, its convivial atmosphere conducive to sharing a drink en tete-a-tete or relaxing with family and friends. Indigo by Martell is an opportunity for the people of Cognac to view their town from a new perspective, and for visitors from all over the world to discover it in an entirely original way. It will be open from 13 July until 30 September, with visitors able to enjoy this unique place from 5:30 pm to 1 am, and on Sundays from noon to 10 pm.
The layout of the 420-m2 rooftop space was entrusted to the French interior design studio Premices and co, which specialises in ecological design. The furniture was specially conceived and commissioned by the Fondation d'entreprise Martell, which enlisted the talents of local artisans. The cabinetmakers and designers Atelier W110, Christophe Bret and Thierry Drevelle created an array of original objects combining aesthetics with practicality.
The beauty of the wood used on the rooftop terrace - exclusively French oak supplied by Tonnellerie Leroi in Cognac - echoes that of the Passage, which is situated under the Tower of the Fondation. Other natural or recycled materials are integrated harmoniously into the unique design and environment of the space.
Indigo by Martell welcomes its clients with the generosity and authenticity that have characterized the House of Martell since it was founded. Head Barman Maxime Le Gal and his team have put together an inspired and creative cocktail menu, which naturally features mixology classics - Highballs and Collins, Juleps and Smashes, Sours and Crustas - alongside imaginatively revisited recipes, such as the bar's signature Indigo Collins cocktail: Martell Blue Swift, buckwheat syrup, blackberry and lemon. Delicious surprises await: clients can sample the complete range of exceptional Martell cognacs, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in France, starting with Martell Blue Swift, the first Martell VSOP aged in bourbon casks. In keeping with its convivial ambience, Indigo by Martell also offers a complete range of punches for sharing created by Maxime Le Gal, from classic recipes with rum to more original options with gin or cognac. A delicious choice of light bites made with local produce accompanies the cocktail menu.
A space dedicated to the discovery and expression of talents, Indigo by Martell will also regularly host exceptional pop-up events.
Indigo, the colour of travel
Indigo was one of the first products traded by Jean Martell when he first arrived in France from Jersey. When he founded his business, his main activity was in eaux-de-vie, supplemented by wine and stockings from Jersey. Today, the colour indigo evokes the blue of Martell and of the oceans across which the House continues to export its cognacs worldwide.
Maxime Le Gal
US-born Maxime has a dual cultural heritage - American on his mother's side, French on his father's. He has worked in top bars around the world, from London to Melbourne via Paris, where he headed up Little Red Door from 2015 to 2017. His mission: to create convivial moments. His signature: inspired cocktails.
