Check Into Alcove at The Gables Hotel

More than a hotel, The Gables and on-site bar Alcove are gearing up to welcome the community.

September-slated The Gables hotel won’t just be a boutique retreat for out-of-towners. Thanks in large part to on-site all-day Euro-style cafe and bar Alcove, it’ll serve as a neighborhood amenity, a space open to whoever is passing through—whether from just down the road or across the country. 

Originally dating back to the 1920s, the roadside retreat has been lovingly restored by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, hotelier Daniel Robinson and Heyday Studios’ Sarah Yarborough (formerly of Raleigh Denim). From the jump, a bar was always in the plans, with Merritt and Robinson insisting that being a part of the neighborhood was extraordinarily important to them—along with their goal of building community.

“We’re not a private place,” maintains Merritt. “We want to see our friends. Also, isn’t a hotel bar the most fun place to drink in the world anywhere you go?”

Housed in a former garage adjacent to the main hotel and defined by three stone walls that had to be saved, stresses Robinson, the bar serves up an intimate “fantasy stone cottage” vibe, complete with deep jewel tones, rich textures, earthy elements and natural light. A lush semicovered patio further plays into Alcove’s boho spirit—helping the entire property feel almost like a sanctuary, says Merritt.

“You don’t quite know what era you’re in,” she adds. “I think there’s something really enchanting about places that are timeless like that.”

Hotel guests and the locals alike are invited to enjoy a morning coffee or evening cocktail on a cozy banquette or custommade French bistro-esque table inside Alcove, in the main hotel’s common area, or sprawled out in the greenery-filled gardens. 

Developed with the help of Early Bird Night Owl’s Ashley Malinowski, the bar’s Southern-European menu leans simple yet exquisite—think a tight selection of red and white wines, spritzes, and low-ABV sessionable ’tails like a white port and tonic (a Portuguese-inspired drink that replaces gin with white port)—with the idea that guests can sip easy and linger. European picnic-esque bites like creative charcuterie with tinned fish, fresh veg crudités, dried fruits, and cakes round out the experience and reinforce Alcove’s relaxed spirit.

In keeping with its neighborhood-first ethos, Alcove will play host to myriad events, from readings, music and long-table dinners to “4 the Record” cocktail hour (read: vinyls spinning at 4pm) and over-30s singles nights, during which Merritt will bartend signature drinks with cheeky names like European Boyfriend; Wingman; Sugar Mama; and Tall, Dark and Handsome.

In essence, Robinson and Merritt envision Alcove as a traditional European “salon” concept—a place bringing like-minded folks together. “A good day at Alcove is when you can tie that thread from the first customer to the last, and there’s people having conversation [throughout],” says Robinson, also of The Durham Hotel fame. 

While the project has been a long eight-year endeavor, the dynamic duo agrees the extra time has allowed them to distill all their favorite travels and experiences into a clear vision of what The Gables was always meant to be.

“This has been a long run, but it’s come a long way,” emphasizes Merritt. “There are days where it feels really daunting, and then there are days when I walk over and I cannot believe how it’s looking and that it’s actually happening—and how much fun we’re going to have here.” thegablesraleigh.com