The Fortunate Prospector and Embers Lodge Bar Debut at the Front Range Resort
Gaylord Rockies Resort unveiled The Fortunate Prospector, Embers Lodge Bar and a Grand Lodge redesign in April 2024, part of the current multi-year investment plan by ownership group Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP).
The Fortunate Prospector:
The resort’s new English pub seats 134 and makes its home on the right side of the Grand Lodge. Inspired by the dark coziness of famous taverns across the pond and subtle nods to Colorado mining history, The Fortunate Prospector features detailed woodwork balancing both modern amenities and classic design elements from the Victorian era. The interior beam and column rhythm emulates precedent patterns from centuries ago, and thoughtful touches of art bring visions of London to Aurora. The menu pulls inspiration from traditional English roots featuring fish & chips, bangers and mash, Shepherd’s pie, and sticky toffee pudding. The beverage menu presents Pimm’s Cup and the Single-Handed Sailor (Bacardi Superior, demerara syrup, lime juice, and Angostura bitters), along with a 10-draft beer tower.
Guests are enveloped in the Legend of Earl, the dapper bighorn sheep, and iconic face of the restaurant. The legend recounts Earl’s journey to bring his English charm to the Wild West, and subsequent discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountains. Today, as an esteemed prospector with newfound interest in the culinary arts, he welcomes all to his pub in celebration of his prosperity amidst the gold rush.
Embers Lodge Bar boasts a 360-degree wrap around bar with spacious seating area accommodating up to 248 guests. Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, it serves as a cherished hub to gather around two grand fireplaces to savor light snacks, Colorado-inspired cocktails and panoramic views. The minimalist color palette blends flame red, tawny gold, cream and coal, complementing the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The menu presents oysters and barbacoa sliders with indulgent drinks such as Ziggy Stardust, featuring a custom choice of vodka and spice level (mild, medium, hot), topped with a flamed cinnamon pour over. Embers has replaced the bar, Pinyons, and the Après Ski Village space—taking its rightful place as the crown jewel of the Grand Lodge
“The average hotel renovates every seven to ten years, but we are adding more spaces for group and leisure customers only five years after opening our doors in 2018,” said Suzy Hart, general manager of Gaylord Rockies Resort. “We are laser focused on continual investment in both meeting spaces and food and beverage experiences that are beyond the extraordinary. It’s an impressive feat for the team and the reason we are trailblazers in bringing people together.”
Enhancements will continue into 2024, with the two current restaurants (Monte Jade and Vista Montagne) re-concepting to a nutrient-rich dining experience at Garden + Grain and true Colorado fare at Copper Table. Additionally, the resort will introduce a redesigned Old Hickory Steakhouse and a new 9,000-square-foot event space, Mountain View Pavilion, perfect for weddings and other social gatherings.
The additional enhancements will complement the Phase One investments completed in April 2023, including a redesign of the outdoor lawn spaces and the addition of dining terraces for Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar. This investment in Gaylord Rockies is part of a long-term growth plan within the Gaylord Hotels brand, with ongoing enhancements in food and beverage, recreation, meeting space and guest rooms in all five properties.
