GREGORY GATSERELIA

Recognised by Architectural Digest as one of the top 100 interior designers in the world, Gregory Gatserelia and his award-winning team at Gatserelia Design are responsible for some of Beirut’s most beautiful spaces. He shares a few local hotspots that ar

Creative scene

“Saleh Barakat Gallery has its finger on the pulse of the local art scene, so I drop by regularly to keep up to date with the best established and up-andcoming Lebanese artists.” agialart.com

Seafood and sunsets

A 45-minute drive north from Beirut, in the coastal town of Batroun, is Chez Maguy, a wonderfully rustic waterfront restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean and serving freshly caught fish. Gregory says “the sunsets here are like nowhere else in the world.”

farm to table

Founded by social activist and entrepreneur Kamal Mouzawak—who also launched Beirut’s first farmers market, Souk el Tayeb— Tawlet is one of Lebanon’s most remarkable restaurants. Different chefs (amateur and professional) cook each day using seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients to showcase dishes from their home region. “The lunch buffet is superb and changes daily. I’ve never been disappointed.” soukeltayeb.com

take a dip

Very little has changed at Sporting Beach Club since it opened in the 1960s and its shabby-chic charm continues to attract new generations keen to sunbathe, swim in the seawater pool, play backgammon under blue parasols or feast in its famed seafood restaurant. “I love it because it’s simple,” says Gregory.

Life’s A Beach

“When I need to escape the city I head south for around 25 minutes to my favourite private beach, Lazy B. The sandy beach is clean, there’s a natural sea pool and it’s very peaceful. Like many of the best beaches in Lebanon, you need to pay but it’s worth it.” lazyb.me

Slice of Life

From top: Gregory Gatserelia at his favourite restaurant, Tawlet; Saleh Barakat Gallery; Lazy B private beach