Tbilisi: Revisited
I have lived in London for over 30 years, yet Georgia remains a place I cannot stay away from for long. The longest absence—during the pandemic—felt unnatural. Now, I return every two to three months.
Partly, it’s personal. Friends. Family. Familiar streets. But more than that, Georgia resets the senses. Tomatoes with real depth, cucumbers that taste of sun, strawberries that need nothing added. It’s less nostalgia, more recalibration.
Increasingly, it’s also about ideas. Each visit brings new energy, new projects — always rooted in the connection between Georgia and the UK.
Getting here is effortless. With direct flights from British Airways and easyJet, Tbilisi is just over four hours from London. No real jet lag. A short transfer from the airport. Easy. ( No Visa required for most of passport holders).
On my last flight, I noticed how the audience has changed. British travellers — curious, informed. Even half-asleep, I could hear the familiar words: khachapuri, wine, khinkali. Georgia has quietly arrived.
My first morning always begins the same way: the sulphur baths in Abanotubani. Timeless, slightly theatrical, deeply restorative. My host, Gulo, remembers everything — every detail of my life, as though no time has passed. These baths have welcomed everyone from Sting to Alexander Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas. You leave lighter, sharper, reset.
The rhythm of the city follows quickly. Coffee at Vinotel — low-key, elegant. Evenings at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, a Moorish revival masterpiece. Under Nina Ananiashvili, the ballet alone is reason enough to visit.
Tbilisi’s creative confidence is growing. At Zarapkhana, under Irakli Nasidze, Paris based Georgian artist, heritage meets precision. Nearby, COMODE fashion boutique showcases Georgian designers with a distinctly modern voice.
Spring brings a particular softness to the city. Blossoms frame an eclectic mix of architecture — Art Nouveau, Oriental, Soviet, contemporary. Beautiful, and slightly unpredictable.
There is also momentum. Developments such as IDEA PANORAMA point to a city evolving with confidence — appealing to those looking beyond saturated markets.
And then, the food. Tamtaki for vibrant street flavours. Keto and Kote for understated elegance. Shavi Lomi, for modern Georgian cuisine. And Apotheka by Tekuna Gachechiladze — a cocktail bar in a former pharmacy — for atmosphere and quiet glamour.
Beyond the capital, Kakheti remains essential. Less than two hours away, it offers vineyards, qvevri cellars, and space to breathe. I stayed at Chateau Mere, hosted by winemaker Gia Piradashvili — a place that captures the spirit of the region.
What defines Tbilisi, ultimately, is not just what you see — but how it makes you feel. In a world that often feels over-engineered, it remains instinctive, creative, and calm. I leave each time recharged — and certain I will return.
For those interested in experiencing Georgia more deeply — from curated wine tastings and consultancy through Wine Roots, to property investment opportunities in Tbilisi, or bespoke VIP journeys — feel free to get in touch at [email protected].
Here is a link for the coming trip (few places left)
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