A new, exceptionally nice speakeasy bar called ROOK opened a few weeks ago in a place where you, dear readers, would probably least expect it: in an old water tower in Cologne. Yes, you’ve read it right – it’s not about Berlin today, but about a thing that we in Berlin are especially crazy about: secret bars in hidden locations.
In a world of the Internet and smartphones, where all information is constantly accessible, the concept of speakeasy bars is more attractive than ever. It’s no wonder, since nothing tastes sweeter than a secret that you only share with a few people. We’ve known that this rule applies to the club and bar scene for ages.
That’s why it’s totally understandable that also the ROOK team decided in favor of such an idea. A few months ago, Luisa und Rike entered the Shape Your City competition organized by the international premium beer brand Heineken with their own bar concept. They managed to win over the Jury, composed of, among others, the restaurateurs Philipp Treudt and Tobias Mintert, as well as our Berlin blogger-colleagues from Dandy Diary. ROOK is the result of a cooperation with Heineken and celebrated its opening on the 18th November 2016. This coming Friday, the Dandy Diary members of the jury are going to throw a party in the location that they’ve helped to single out. More about that later in the text!
As is often the case with speakeasy bars, also ROOK is located in a pretty discreet and obscure location: the historical water tower in the Leo-Amann-Park, in the Cologne district of Ehrenfeld. The tower’s dusty 80s interior was replaced with modern design as a part of its extensive renovations. The backside of the bar was completely covered with plants facing a neon installation to achieve the impression of a futuristic jungle. The work has really paid off – the bar’s appearance is extraordinary.
But what’s really so cool about such a hidden bar? How do you even know where it is? The real question is, though: who actually knows where it is? As opposed to traditional bars in the busy districts, people can only find their way to ROOK after being personally invited, or by word-of-mouth. In this way, a very special ambience is created – an intimate and familiar atmosphere of friends and like-minded people that are having fun together and that one wants to be a part of. The promise of a special time at a very special place is what really attracts people to visit such a bar.
That was exactly what happened at the ROOK opening in November, when the curious Cologne crowd got their first chance to salute with a cold Heineken beer at the jungle bar and dance on the (heated) rooftop of the tower. The music was carefully chosen by international and local DJs, among them Damiano von Erckert, liebemachen und BSQ, and delicious snacks were provided by the Metzgerei Schmitz.
There’s more to see at ROOK from the 9th of December. As we’ve mentioned before, our Berlin colleagues from Dandy Diary are throwing a party there! You shouldn’t miss this one and the ones to follow in case you’re in Cologne. Here you can find out more about the upcoming events at ROOK. To wrap up our Shape Your City special with yet another surprise, you all can win three Heineken backpacks. We wish you luck with the give away and lots of fun in ROOK!
Thanks for the support by Heineken
