SUD Lisboa – The Place To Be in Portugal’s Capital of Cool

One of the oldest cities in Europe, this luminous capital is not only renowned for its vintage trams, pasteis de nata cake shops and melancholic Fado clubs – Lisbon is also a nexus for creative start-ups, and contemporary European urban life, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).

Innovative Venue

SUD Lisboa, the stylish waterside dining & leisure venue is very much part of the Portuguese capital’s innovative renaissance. With a privileged location in the historic district of Belém, with photogenic views of the Tagus River, and the iconic 25 de Abril suspension bridge, SUD Lisboa is Lisbon’s ground-breaking venue. Combining cocktails, gourmet bites and cool DJ sets at the infinity SUD Pool Lounge; Mediterranean dining on the SUD Terazza; with the high-end events space, the SUD Lisboa Hall, this is Lisbon’s unique leisure destination.

After many years visiting Lisbon, it’s refreshing to experience a more contemporary (and dare I use that word, ‘cosmopolitan’ ) side of the capital. The old world charm of Alfama and the late night buzz of the Bairro Alto are undeniably captivating, yet the newly revitalised area along the banks of the river Tagus, where one finds SUD Lisboa, is where Lisbon’s past fuses with an exciting future. It’s the place to be.

Art & Culture

This is where the Portuguese navigators and explorers set sail. In addition to the monuments and museums to these world-changing discoveries, there are hip urban renewal projects that convey Lisbon’s new found confidence in its future.

The docks, where you can catch a sunset yacht cruise, is now an area of cool cafes and bars; whilst beside SUD Lisboa, (a landmark building too, designed by Antoine Pinto), is a another striking piece of urban architecture, the MAAT building (Lisbon’s Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology). Built as a gently sweeping arch, this exhibition and arts centre is set to become the epicentre of a new city art campus, with SUD Lisboa at its heart.

Poolside Cocktails

It was early evening in August when I visited. Lisbon’s legendary Atlantic light was at its best, with the sun low in the sky, igniting the city’s iconic suspension bridge with a warm glow. The infinity pool was illuminated with mood lighting blending and contrasting with the river beyond. It was the golden hour and of course cocktail o’clock too. The SUD Pool Lounge has an urban beach club vibe by day, and a chic rooftop club bar by night. DJ sets, live music, signature cocktails, and Mediterranean dishes make for a memorable way to enjoy Lisbon.

Alfresco Dining

SUD Lisboa Terrazza brings Mediterranean and Italian flavours to the shores of the Atlantic. It’s the kind of food that’s made for sharing – whether a romantic dinner or a family get together. Fresh pizzas from the wood burning oven, fresh seafood salads, risottos, pastas, and seasonal specialities like exceptional grilled scarlet Cardinal Atlantic prawns. Meals can be as relaxed or as sophisticated as you wish. Service is exemplary, in English, Portuguese, and other languages – I felt welcome and the team were knowledgeable about the menu and the wines available.

Celebrating Life

Linked from the main restaurant and pool terrace, by a glass bridge is a secondary building within the SUD Lisboa complex. This is the SUD Lisboa Hall, a contemporary space for world-class events, high-end parties, and unforgettable weddings. The flexibility is impressive – for inside events and gala dinners the main hall has a spectacular designer bar. For cocktails and networking, there is also the additional space that opens onto the waterside terrace. Upstairs is a welcoming area, that can be open air or covered with impressive city and river views. Undoubtedly SUD Lisboa Hall has redefined the corporate and social event facilities of Lisbon.