There is a style for vintage right now, from edgy moustached modern males, to the ample application of eyeliner on any girl worth her over-sized specs. If you love a bit of pre-loved furniture and a cocktail or two, then amblé is a treasure in Florence worth finding. amblé not only serves great food and a potent cocktail but also gives you the chance to literally take a piece of the place home with you.
Opened by three friends, Barbara, Fabrizio and Lorenzo, amblé philosophy is as simple as their strap line: Fresh Food and Old Furniture. The team has designed an urban space with a 1950’s feel full of mis-matched chairs, up-cycled beach loungers, and an array of bric-a-brac items displayed on wooden shelves. Everything you see is for sale including the glass wear which is sourced locally and from antique markets in France and England.
Colourful vintage world maps cover the walls, along with fabulous vintage letter signage. Drink from antique china and crystal cups while reclining in vintage armchairs. If you get too comfortable, you can take the chair with you – check out the price tag attached. It’s a bright, fun and friendly space to come with friends for lunch, an evening drink, or to work (free Wi-Fi).
Locally sourced, freshly prepared food at amblé
Design your own sandwich by filling in the menu card and choosing from seasonal ingredients. There are also soups and a warm dish of the day in winter with carpaccio style salads in the summer. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from midday. All food products are Italian, which is part of the philosophy – sei ciò’ che mangi – you are what you eat.
Feeling thirsty? Ask your bar man for his cocktail suggestions which change depending on what fruit is in season. My favourite is amblé Spritz (white wine, elderflower, lime, mint), along with amblé’s home-baked bread fries served in brown paper bags. You won’t be disappointed. Take a turn by the Continentale and Gallery hotels by Ponte Vecchio to find amblé in a little hidden space in the middle of Florence set within a quiet courtyard around residential apartments. It’s not a great effort to find, in fact that is half the fun, should you be in need for vintage home wares or just a good drink.
