Six takeaways from Re-thinking Bars: How Design Impacts Success, Tales of the Cocktail 2026 by Carlo Carnevale

Inspired by the Hindu concept of ātman, Porto's newest cocktail destination is built around ritual, craft and human connection. We sat down with Pau Gonzalez to explore the philosophy behind the bar and how a custom Behind Bars station was designed to support every movement behind it.

At About Contrasts in Oslo, Adrian Michalcik's approach to hospitality goes beyond cocktails. Drawing from Japanese philosophy, global influences and nearly two decades behind the bar, he has created a venue where conversation, craftsmanship and human connection take centre stage.

At Brother Louis in Stuttgart, Tobias Lindner, co-owner and operator alongside Uwe Heine, offers his own reading of where hospitality is heading. Not by stepping away from technique, but by placing it back in service of something simpler. The result is a space built around people first, where drinks follow rather than lead.

Filmed across Croquí, UNI, and the countryside outside Lisbon, this portrait follows Constança Cordeiro through the environments where her work takes shape, tracing how ideas move from thought to drink to space.

BAZ brings food, cocktails and music into one shared space. An audio bistro bar shaped by movement, open-kitchen energy and a tightly tuned service rhythm. Take a look inside.

Before the doors of Blind Pony even open, João Costa and Tatiana Cardoso are already shaping what it will feel like: thoughtful, technical, and full of soul. Meet the people behind our Eva trolley campaign.

Atelier Paul Morel’s Signature Design for Amuerte

Great bars aren’t just designed for bartenders, they’re built with them!

Leveraging tribal knowledge to build better bars, together.

A short film and story on how Clemente Bar came to life, thoughtfully built to serve both guest and bartender.

A Nostalgic Underground Hideaway from Two Mixology Visionaries, with Matt Kelly of Make Design Studios Shaping the Interior Where Cocktails and Vinyl Collide in a Timeless Space.

Behind Bars Agency feature in this Punch article is a recognition and a testament to our team's dedication to revolutionizing bar design.

Seoul, a city blending tradition with modern vibes, is garnering attention in the global cocktail scene. Recently, Behind Bars had the honor of presenting at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts F&B leadership conference there. We shared insights on luxury hotel bar design and the secrets behind standout establishments.

Sam speaks with Cake Architecture’s Hugh Moncrieff on collaboration, creation and celebration.

Sam Millin talks about the ways bar design is changing to promote human connection.