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!
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by Frank | Stories
Urban Life is a human paradox by itself. We live between grey concrete walls just to realize that we would rather paint them with graffiti. We turned our back on the countryside just to build urban gardens on our rooftops and choose the anonymity and isolation of big cities, just to connect through social networks for joined nightlife experiences.
But it is not a coincidence that cities like Berlin become a canvas for creativity for all of us. To realize what kind of potential is in our surrounding, we need people who make the first step for us, who take the first brush of paint so we are able to see the free canvas space. The new Heineken campaign “Build your Bar – Shape your City” is dedicated to those individuals making our urban life a bit better day by day. Heineken has shown a long-term commitment in creative innovative concepts for urban life already with their “Cities” Campaign. But “Shape your City” is going even a step further. Everybody who wants to create an innovative bar concept for his hometown can participate in this creative contest. Your idea will be judged by no other than our blogger colleagues Jacob and David from Dandy Diary, gastronomy experts Tobias Mintert & Philipp Treudt and Team-Heineken Germany.
Now is your chance to feel inspired and see your city as a canvas for your creativity. On the Heineken campaign page you can submit your best idea for an innovative Bar concept that will change your street, your neighborhood and your city’s nightlife. You are not only competing for an amazing experience but also for the expertise to implement your concept: Heineken and the two gastronomy experts will help you realize your concept and open the bar in a totally new space. Take your chance to be part of this creative contest until the 16th of September.
After the jump you will find a short spot about the campaign, which can be used as inspiration for the concept.
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by Claudio | Bars
“We are feeling good and there’s a Späti in the neighborhood.” There is probably no better USP to Berlin than its Spätis and probably no better way to start a song. Daði Freyr and Jökull Logi from LESULA are originally from Iceland and are currently studying and making music in the capital. And the guys seem to love one aspect of the capital in particular. Their song “Reinickendorf” is a relaxed and funny hymn to the one-and-only, in their eyes underestimated beer Sternburg Export. Better known to Berliners as well-priced Sterni, you have probably drunken this liquid gold at some point. For some people it’s more like liquid Zyankali though. Depends, on your taste. But: “You know that we appreciate it” as they sing smoothly. LESULA show in their music video shot by Árný Fjóla what it means to relax in totally underrated Reinickendorf. And are very funny while doing so. Check out this funny gem and nod your head to this original capital anthem. Right after the jump. Read on…
by Yasmin | Music, Videos
If someone asks me about the drinking habits of Germans, I would probably answer that Germans drink quite a lot, but in a fairly responsible way. We do like our beer and we do like our wine, and quite a lot of people drink exactly these two types of alcohol on a regular basis. But unless it’s Oktoberfest or a Fashion Week party with free drinks Germans tend not to get too wasted on it. At least that’s my observation here in Berlin.
I would consider myself a moderate drinker, too, proudly so. I like the social habits around drinking, like buying someone cute a drink, having drinks with friends, offering a drink to guests, toasting a special occasion with a drink. I like a good drink for the right moment, and I do like to drink a couple of them if they are really good, but I don’t enjoy the feeling of getting drunk, loosing control. I know when to stop and switch to water. The main reason for that: I don’t want anyone to think of me what I think of people that loose it, get really drunk and really embarrassing. You will end up saying something or doing something that you will later regret and it won’t be worth the fun you think you are having in that moment. And I hate hangovers…
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by Frank | Party, Videos
Barber shops, food vendors, tattoo parlors, furniture makers, micro brewers, barista – these are all big trends right now, not only here in Berlin but in other major cities all over the world. And contrary to the other common favorite dream jobs such as designers, architects and artists none of these require a university degree. Common trades and craftsmanships are having a big comeback and rightly so!
The Pilsner Urquell Werkstatt at Fluxbau is exactly about these kinds of trades that had a dusty old image for the longest time but are now becoming totally hip again. From June 5-13, 2015 they are showcasing a colorful mix of crafts and trades in their Werkstatt. You will be able to look over the shoulder of barbers, carpenters, cheese and sausage makers, smiths, leather makers, glass engravers and many more. Of course in the end of the day there is always gonna be some beer as well as a music program that includes the Berliner Kneipenchor, Frankie Chavez, Phia, TÜSN and many more.
But here comes the best part: Some of their trades and crafts you can even learn how to do yourself in workshops that you can participate in. Learn how to make tattoos, how to brew, how to bake the perfect bread, how to make woodblock prints, how to upcycle bottles and how to roast coffee. Sounds fun? Click on to find out how to win tickets for the workshops and the detailed program of the Pilsner Urquell Werkstatt!
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by Frank | Events
Last week Thursday Heineken celebrated the launch of their new city edition with a Berlin and Rio-themed fusion event at Voo Store. They invited a group of young and upcoming designers from Berlin and Rio to show their work and how much the styles of both cities connect with each other. To complement the fashion they also offered typical Brazilian fingerfood and their delicious Hoptails.
Of course this new event series also calls for a little raffle! Under every crown cap of this new edition there is a code that you can validate on the Open Your City website and instantly win amazing prices such as trips to Rio, New York, a bike, an instant camera, watches, headphones and other cool goodies. The new Heineken bottle edition is now available in stores! Good luck! After the jump some more infos on the designers and some impressions of the event.
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by Frank | Fashion, Party
