Why sip drinks in typical surrounds when you can socialise in some of the world’s most unusual settings?
Forget the chain bars, why travel across the globe just to go to a restaurant or bar you could go to at home? It’s a holiday, so be adventurous. Need some inspiration? Here we look at some of the best concept bars across the world… Bottoms up!
London, UK: NY-LON Lounge
If you’ve always wanted to experience a business or first class lounge but couldn’t afford the flight then this bar welcome’s you on board – no boarding pass required…
Grand Master Flash DJed at NY-LON’s opening night
Virgin Atlantic and Delta airlines celebrated their partnership, and their most important route (New York To London), with a hip new bar at London’s O2 arena.
Of course, the slick venue is aviation-themed with a welcome message board on arrival. Even the toilets resemble the facilities on a plane, albeit on a larger scale. The modern venue, which has a capacity of up to 400 guests, features a small bar ideal for tête-à-têtes or catch up drinks, alternatively walk though the tunnel highlighting the airlines’ various flight routes and you enter a large bar and seating area, which is proving a huge hit especially with the post-concert crowd.
If that wasn’t impressive enough NY-LON acts a speakeasy-cum-business centre with a secret conference room located behind the first small bar. Strange concept, but it would impress us.
Are you a member of the frequent flyers programmes, Flying Club and SkyMiles? Well, you can enjoy discounts and special offers. Basically you receive all the aviation perks without actually having to get on a plane. For more information, visit here.
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Helsinki, Finland: Sparakoff Pub Tram
Sightseeing and socialising in one ride – it’s the recipe for a dream holiday. Seating just 35 people (we advise to book a spot in advance if you wish to travel with a big group or want to reserve it for private tours), the 1950s-inspired tram cruises through the capital city for 40 minutes, allowing you to check out the scenery while sipping on a cool beer – the local Koff brew to be exact (though other drinks are available).
While it isn’t a narrated tour you do pass notable sights including Linanmaki, Finlandia House, Parliament, and Senate Square, and there is a toilet on board so you don’t need to stop for breaks.
Hop on the tram at Railway Square on hour from May to August. You’ll know which one it is – it’s says pub on the destination. For more information, call (358) 20 1234800
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Uyuni, Bolivia: Bar at Palacio De Sal
Now this is a bar that goes against the grain… Everything here is made from salt – everything. Taking advantage of its proximity to the Uyini salt mine, the Palacio De Sal Hotel is made entirely from sodium chloride. Want a salt rim on your margarita glass? Not a problem, though bar tenders do ask that you don’t lick the furniture or walls, naturally. For more information, visit here.
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Chur, Switzerland: The H.R. Giger bar
When you discover that Swiss artist H.R Giger is the man behind the freaky bar then you won’t be so surprised by that it resembles a set from Alien. All the décor is created by the surrealist artist. Foreboding chairs with skeletal structures, heads poking from table legs and cyborg-style inscriptions on the floor, it definitely leaves a lasting, if not petrifying impression. For more information, visit here
Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Joben Bistro
Copper pipes, exposed mechanical gears and a zeppelin on the ceiling make for a Steampunk bar that finds inspiration from the pages of Jules Verne. With an array of eclectic items up on the wall and a hipster-inspired menu (gourmet hot-dogs, that sort of thing), it’s a great place to wile away more than a few hours. For more information, visit here
Images: Getty and Supplied
