First look: The minds behind 5Church are opening a new ‘luxurious cocktail bar’

The newest bar in uptown is one of the most hotly anticipated openings in Charlotte in awhile.

The key players behind 5Church are getting ready to open an upscale bar and lounge – and get this – it’s right next door to 5Church.

Yep – Alejandro Torio, Patrick Whalen and Chef Jamie Lynch (of “Top Chef” fame) are teaming up with a Charleston mixologist to open Sophia’s, the chic lounge on the ground level of The Ivey’s hotel. Sophia’s is expected to open later this month.

The hotel’s website describes Sophia’s Lounge as a “luxurious cocktail bar” named after Queen Sophia Charlotte that will feature “a royally outfitted setting” in a space where “opulence meets a vintage touch and Parisian flair.” Think velvet sofas, custom chandeliers and really expensive art.

The lounge will serve both food and drinks with sharable plates and craft cocktails.

Patricia Smith, a mixologist and level two sommelier from Charleston is also part of the operations team. She’s hard at work creating the cocktail menu and Lynch is working on the food menu.

We tried to get the scoop on the eats but Torio says even he doesn’t know exactly what to expect.

“Chef Jamie is working on it but he’s been pretty secretive about it,” he said.

Torio says they aren’t worried about the side-by-side properties competing – in fact, they’re thrilled at the potential for more business.

It all makes sense now, since last week the guys announced that 5Church would be providing room service to the hotel.

“We’re excited,” Torio said. “It’s good for us to have Sophia’s on the block.”

Photos: Justin Driscoll

This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 1:00 AM with the headline "First look: The minds behind 5Church are opening a new ‘luxurious cocktail bar’."