Guest shifts and cool cocktails at some of the city’s best bars
Bar Convent Berlin is Europe’s top bar and beverage sector expo, attracting some 12,000 visitors each year. But when the BCB exhibition halls close for the day, the party is just getting started as top international bartenders join local cocktail bars for guest shifts and spirits brands host popups around the city. The Alchemist publisher Gail Nugent was at the most recent BCB in October and captured these snapshots of the nightlife. The next BCB will be held October 9 to 11, 2023, barconvent.com.
Guest shifts
KINK with Jesse Vida
Jesse Vida, the bar star from Singapore’s new Cat Bite Club (and formerly of the award-winning bars ATLAS and Dead Rabbit), hosts a vibrant guest shift sponsored by Johnnie Walker at this trendy bar and restaurant. KINK combines the art of cooking and cocktails, taking inspiration from all over the world to create a uniquely intoxicating experience.
Barra with Little Red Door
The team from Paris hot spot—and No. 5 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list—Little Red Door takes over at Barra, an intimate, minimalist restaurant in Neukölln’s Schillerkiez known for known for its elevated dishes, natural wines and craft cocktails. Guest shift sponsored by Ford’s Gin.
FABELEI with Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Portland’s most popular mixologist, author and raconteur Jeffrey Morgenthaler pops into the bright, friendly Berlin-Schoeneberg cocktail bar FABELEI for a guest shift sponsored by The Busker. His famous “world’s best” Amaretto Sours were the hit of the night.
Other bars worth a visit
Kopps Berlin
Regional drinking culture meets modern bar craftsmanship at this vegan bar and restaurant led by Jannick Stillger, who focuses on sustainability and regionality.
Stagger Lee
The ambience may be classic saloon, but the innovative cocktails are anything but traditional at this popular joint named for a 19th century criminal who inspired several blues songs.
Crackers
Located at the last venue of the legendary Cookies Club, this chicly upbeat eatery showcases global dishes made with local ingredients, as well as craft cocktails and a robust wine list.
Bellboy Bar and Butler Speakeasy
Two concepts in one location, proving once again that the speakeasy trend is not going anywhere. Expect creative cocktails in a stylishly fun environment.
