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The Bar in Front of the Bar

Athens

Dynamic, dual-concept drinkery

The Bar in Front of the Bar is an effervescent, refreshing and spirited ode to Greece's al fresco drinking culture – and it happened almost by accident. The streetside bar began life as a pop-up in 2021, compensating for the temporary closure of the original indoors bar by serving cocktails through a hatch. Such was the popularity of its hi-low combination of elevated drinks and disarmingly informal atmosphere, this Athenian street corner hasn't looked back since.

It now operates as a dual-concept bar. Inside, a plush, speakeasy-style outfit features all the creature comforts of an upmarket cocktail lounge. Here, ingredients are sourced in close collaboration with local farms and producers, before being reimagined into technically innovative, surprising serves: the hot-cold C.R.E.A.M. is a literal sensation, pairing an icy blend of tsipouro, mastic and Greek herbs with a warm white chocolate and coconut float.

Outdoors, spontaneity is king: the hatch serves a succinct daily-changing menu of cocktails, made using surplus ingredients and byproducts from the indoor operation. Guests sit, stand, linger in the street under rotating slogan signage: 'Streets are the new family' rarely feels truer, while 'Your ex was here yesterday' is always good for a chuckle.

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