A few excellent cocktail dens are spread out in the city of Amsterdam. Some longer around than other, ranging from excellent hotel bars at the Pulitzer to the newly opened Flying Dutchman run by Tess Posthumus & Timo Janse, long time player Door 74 and finally one that never disappoints and defends the place as the best bar in town, Tales & Cocktails. 
It has many tales to tell even though it is located in a small side street in central Amsterdam. It fills fairly quickly when the weather outside is less pleasant but you can try your luck early or late because it is always worth visiting this gem.
It starts when you are greeted by Boudewijn Mesritz or just Bo. Always a friendly attitude, one realises very quickly this guy is not new to hospitality and understand the fundamentals of excellent customer service and hosting. It starts when he tucks away your jacket and finds it miraculously at the end of the night between all the other guest’s jackets – you know you are in good hands. Behind the bar, the talent is no less. The cocktails are perfectly executed and served in creative vessels ranging from coupes and tiki glasses to more unusual ones. It mirrors the balanced mix between classics and more experimental recipes. The wooden bound cocktail menu is vast and if you come the first time it can be a bit overwhelming, even if you are a regular imbiber. 
But latest after your first cocktail you have all forgotten about the outside world and you can indulge at one of the high tables, under a glass chandelier illuminating the dark wooden beams all rounded off with vintage brick walls – all in all a very cosy atmosphere.
Water service comes in small individual bottles with a straw which are a nice little extra and put an emphasis on the hospitality excellence. One can really see the focus on quality. A nice little extra is the spirit store next door that offers a great selection and displays very nice vintage barware too. Definitely worth a trip.
Images: ©Tales & Spirits
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