Finding The Stage bar is an adventure in itself. Following a labyrinth of underground tunnels filled with electronics shops that look exactly the same will make you doubt whether you’re at the right location at all.

But once you manage to find the dimly lit shop windows adorned with exposition shelves of cocktail equipment attire, you feel relief and excitement, like finding the treasure chest.

When you walk through the door, you are almost immediately greeted by the bartender/host/owner. Lotar makes a point of greeting you by introducing himself and shaking your hand. Needless to say, a rarity, if not unheard of.

Stage bar is by all means an unexpected venue, in the best way possible. Part cocktail bar, part entertainment venue, part house party, the design is as understated as it is ingenious.

The cocktail menu, refreshingly small, as to be expected from a house party vibe. 4 signature serves, plus a small backbar that offers a possibility of classic recipes, as long as the ingredients are there.

What sells the space foremost, is the music. In short, a ‘Liked Songs’ neverending line up of the owners favourite listens. Some party bangers, some old school classics. You never expect what comes on next.
But let’s talk about the cocktails.

First comes the Vetiver – a Gimlet style serve, with a classic base of gin, blended with grapefruit cordial and vetiver liqueur. Extremely well balanced and so aromatic you smell it before it lands in your hand.
Then, the White Sage – a little delight made with gin, sage, bergamot and touch of lime. A decided favourite of ours from the line up.

The whiskey sour twist called ‘toasted yeast and bee pollen’, is surprising. Rich, but not sweet. Umami, but not savoury. Also, disappears from a glass faster than you realise.

The skills in cocktail making here are undeniable. The signatures are extremely well balanced, and each ingredient listed shines through. A proof that you don’t need a long list to make it exciting and varied.

The more we speak to Lotar, the more we realise he is the perfect host. The devil lies in the details. I ordered a martini, and through a flowing conversation, it sat still for too long. Solution? The drink was taken away from me for a split second and poured over into a fresh, freezer cold glass. Easily the highlight of the night.

Overall, you have a venue that, although small, hidden and for the sake of the argument, understated, delivers on all accounts of service, quality and atmosphere.

The outtake? It’s the best served house party you will ever experience, if you choose to be a part of it.