Parlour — Restaurant in Prague

Just happened upon The Parlour on my birthday (a Thursday in July) and I wanted to share our fantastic experience. First of all, you have to know it’s there - it’s a tiny, cellar bar with four tables, whose entrance is almost hidden along the sidewalk. Luckily for us, I had seen it on Google Maps, and we were actively looking for it.

Down the ten or so steps, it was as if we stepped back in time. The candle light, vaulted ceiling, and almost Gothic décor transported us to the late 19th century. Inside, the dark, cosy bar looked full. The tables were taken as were the few bar stools. Suddenly, two groups that had been taking up most of the space finished (around 11pm), and we had our choice of seats.

In the meantime, the very full, very chic bar beckoned. An absolutely incredible selection of rare and top-shelf spirits. No beer, no wine. Few mixers. The perfect place for real spirit enthusiasts. Also, no menu (that we saw). The mixologist (in the strictest sense), Marharyta (or Margaryta - apologies for the spelling), was out of this world. Catering to our tastes “of the moment,” as she put it, she both crafted bespoke cocktails for each of us and chose a selection of glorious spirits for me to sip. For my wife, for example, she created an esoteric, bergamot martini and a light and crisp riff on a piña colada, but with several types of gin and a less fatty coconut liqueur. As for me, a Bohemian gin, a Moravian poppyseed liqueur, a Mexican rum (!!), as well as an independent Brazilian distillery’s cachaça. We went back, spending our last two evenings there. Very welcoming place. No drunks. Great music (and apparently there’s a Spotify playlist?). Great atmosphere. Not pricey for what it is - an unassuming, cosy cocktail bar that targets a clientele who is able to appreciate fine drinks made by specialists.

All I know is that when we return to Prague, The Parlour is at the top...

Parlour, a discreet gem in the heart of the city, offers an unparalleled cocktail experience unlike any other. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this intimate bar boasts a unique concept – no menu.

Upon arrival, you're greeted warmly by the bartender, who engages in a brief conversation to discern your preferences. From there, you surrender to the artistry of mixology, allowing yourself to be pleasantly surprised with each concoction.

During our visit, we were treated to a delightful variation of the Negroni – a refreshing twist with a white base, complemented by hints of grapefruit and rosemary. This was followed by a gin-based libation, enhanced with limoncello and a subtle touch of vanilla. Each sip was a symphony of flavors, expertly crafted to perfection.

The ambiance of Parlour is as inviting as its libations. The space, though small, exudes an intimate charm, ideal for a party of two or a cozy gathering of three. The service is outstanding, with the bartender offering personalized attention and recommendations throughout the evening.

To further elevate the experience, Parlour curates a stellar musical selection, setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night out.

In summary, Parlour is a hidden haven for cocktail connoisseurs, where innovation meets intimacy in every sip. Whether you're seeking a unique date night experience or simply indulging in a refined evening of libations, this establishment exceeds expectations on every level. Cheers to Parlour – a true gem in the city's...

The only negative I can say is that they didn't have WiFi, but that's a testiment to the ethos of the place - enjoy your drink and enjoy your company. We struggled to find the place and wondered if our Google maps were playing tricks on us only to realise we were literally stood outside the unassuming entrance. I was reluctant to enter as it was dimly lit, underground and wasn't obviously advertised on the outside, but I'm so glad we did! Really relaxed atmosphere, cosy and interesting decor. We sat at the bar as there weren't any other seats, but I'm glad we did. Susanna was amazing - I was surprised that there wasn't a drinks menu at all - she explained that we just need to tell her what we do and don't like and she asked us a few questions to work out what kind of drink to make us. I can't tell you what we had as it was totally customised and I forget all the ingredients, but we both respectively loved our drinks! She explained that they import most of their spirits as the quality far exceeds the quality of local spirits - I like the honesty, but she gave a story about the glasses our drinks were served in - if its true, a nice little touch. We had a good chat with her and learned loads, as well as some other recommended places to visit. Not a place for parties of more than 4people or those out to be lairy, but a little...