Who Are Bar Designed For? A Conversation with Behind Bars

Who are bars designed for and why does it matter? This and more were discussed when Behind Bars founder Alex Ruas and Designer Samantha MacRae joined Campari Academy for a conversation in their Oslo office. As the needs of the modern bartender evolves, so does the need for flexible solutions when it comes to bar design.
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The future is yours to create: Heng LyheangHeng Lyheang is a passionate bartender from Cambodia whose journey into hospitality began with a spark of inspiration at a high school graduation party. Growing up in an NGO, he discovered bartending as a creative outlet and a way to connect with people from all walks of life. Today, he channels that early motivation into […]

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The future is yours to create: Vandena YanartaVandena is the Bar Manager of Club Soda Canggu and a proud Balinese native whose passion for hospitality was sparked by the film Cocktail. Known for his warmth, creativity, and deep respect for nature, he brings soulful storytelling and environmental consciousness into his work behind the bar. His journey reflects a blend of island spirit, […]

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The future is yours to create: Li "Ahe" JiaxiLi “Ahe” Jiaxi is a passionate bartender from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, known for his joyful spirit and thoughtful creativity behind the bar. A proud member of Roma Roma, an Italian-style pizzeria bar, Ahe brings warmth, curiosity, and storytelling into every cocktail he creates. His work reflects a blend of Taiwanese heart and Italian inspiration, making each […]

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The future is yours to create: Sahil EssaniSahil Essani is a bartender, mentor, and storyteller whose journey into the drinks world began with a summer gig and evolved into a full-fledged calling. Known for his thoughtful approach and passion for community, Sahil blends science, creativity, and cultural narrative behind the bar. Representing India at the Campari Red Hands competition, he brought both […]

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The future is yours to create: John Patrick PoonWith eight years behind the bar, John Patrick Poon brings a vibrant blend of Hong Kong and Filipino flair to the world of bartending. Known for his creativity, passion, and love for Negronis, he’s built a career on curiosity, connection, and pushing boundaries. Representing Hong Kong at the Campari Red Hands global final, Patrick shared […]

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The future is yours to create: Ron CruzRon Cruz is a bartender from the Philippines and co-owner of Fat Cat, a cozy jazz bar born out of a post-pandemic leap of faith. He found his way into the drinks industry by chance, discovering a love for creativity and storytelling through cocktails. As the Philippines finalist for the first Campari Red Hands Asia […]
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Practice makes perfect: Learning your craftIt is true that theory is the foundation to start from, but nothing beats practice when it comes to learning your art, passion or profession. We spoke to three craftspeople to discover how experiences from other environments can influence a bartender’s approach to their craft It might sound like a cliché, but rarely will you […]

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Are Purpose-driven Spirits the Future, the Past or Something else Entirely?When was the last time you saw a new traditional gin get launched and got excited about it? I thought as much. As much as we love the juniper-based spirit, these days, something as perfunctory as a traditional spirit with no discernible difference will, sadly, arrive lacklustre. That’s because the world of spirits making has […]

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Numbers Game: How Good Bar Design Can Impact Your Bar’s ProfitabilityDesign choices can deeply impact the profitability of a bar. Check out how to implement the best ideas, here

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5 techniques modern bartenders must master according to Jeffrey MorgenthalerWith 28 years in the bartending industry, Jeffrey Morgenthaler knows his tekkers. From peeling citrus with cheese slicers to the physics of shaking, he unpacks five techniques he swears by Last week, as I worked behind the bar as usual – mixing drinks, engaging with guests, and tackling a mountain of dishes – I found […]

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Athens Bar ShowWith sun shining bright over Technopolis, a former gas factory now one of the city’s most vibrant cultural venues, the tenth edition of Athens Bar Show marked the end of the “bar show season”: ABS continued to increase the number of visitors (12.000 this year) and proved once again to be one of Europe’s largest […]

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Design&Technology: the future of barsHospitality is and has always been a field highly centred around human interaction; whether you provide accommodation for travellers, meals for diners or like many of us, beverages for drinkers – it’s easy to forget all the things that are necessary for this last interaction to happen. Long before you can start thinking about serving […]