Everybody who has been to Tel Aviv knows that you are in for a treat when it comes to culinary delights. It is a melting pot of various cuisines from all around the world. The bar scene is not too far behind and has developed a lot over the last few years. It has been a few years since I my last – and first – visit to Imperial Craft. Last time, I spent many boozy nights in this hidden gem located inside a shady hotel not too far from the beach. This is where I met Gilad Livnat, one of the owners of Imperial Craft.
About
Gilad was born and raised in Tel Aviv. Now thirty-four years old, his fate was already decided when he was still a boy. He grew up watching his father and grandfather run the family-owned hotel and restaurant after coming home from school. He would usually do his homework while sitting at the bar. He felt very comfortable in these surroundings, and this upbringing shaped his future. Eventually, the restaurant closed and only the Imperial Hotel remained. When Gilad reached his teen years, it was time for his compulsory military service. Afterwards, he started working as a bartender in Tel Aviv. He worked in various places for many years until he became a bar manager in 2010. In 2013 it was time for Gilad to run his own place, and he decided together with his partners—his father David Livnat, and his friend Bar Shira, who was Gilad’s former bar manager in a place called 223, and Dror Alterovich, who was a regular at 223—to open the Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar in the family-owned hotel. His entrepreneurial spirit awoke and just two years later they opened La Otra, a Mexican- Caribbean cocktail bar which is located close to Imperial Craft in the same location as his father’s old restaurant. Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar had become quite well-known by then, not only in Israel, but around the world, as it was ranked among the top 50 cocktail bars worldwide. Recently Gilad and his partners have opened a smaller Imperial franchise called Imperial Red, located in the luxury Cramim Resort & Spa near Jerusalem. Gilad is now married and has recently become a father.
Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar
Imperial Craft is something of an insider tip. Hidden from view, you have to walk into the Imperial Hotel and go through a small door to the right that leads to this gem. The magic happens behind the counter, so if you are lucky enough, grab a seat there. There are a few tables as well, but the bar in total is not big. It is a small, intimate, and cozy place. The emphasis is on friendly staff and personal service for every guest. There is an interesting menu that changes from time to time and helps people choose a cocktail according to general criteria such as woody, boozy, fruity, etc. This bar is not for those seeking a classic cocktail, since none can be found on the menu, but for novices the knowledgeable bartenders are happy to help make a decision. As the name already implies, the bar is inspired by the Imperialist era, specifically by a particular colonial officers’ bar located in Vietnam.
Inspiration
Whenever he gets the chance, Gilad travels and learns about new cultures. He likes to just talk to the people around him when he eats or drinks in a restaurant. Sometimes these conversations lead to him going out and partying with them. He likes to explore new places, and trying typical foods and drinks from other cultures is a big source of new ideas for him. Knowing the history of things, where they come from, and how they evolved also provides him with inspiration. After all, he studied history at university. This is why these experiences form the basis for his creativity behind the counter.
Favorite cocktail
Gilad’s favorite cocktail is a classic Americano. It is perfect in any kind of climate, and he prefers low ABV drinks in general. His all-time favorite cocktail on the Imperial menu is the Rosita Sour, made from 3 cl Martini Bitter, 3 cl red vermouth, 3 cl tequila blanco, 3 cl fresh lemon juice, and 2 cl of simple syrup.
Check out Gilad’s cocktail recipe: Don Juan.
Favorite bar
Broken Shaker in Miami
The future of the bar world
Gilad imagines a more back-to-basics movement and is looking forward to more simplicity and a greater focus on excellent hospitality.
Advice for opening a bar
Make sure to choose the right partners and really love what you do. Believe in your vision, but at the same time be open for outside criticism – especially from educated guests. Ego is your worst enemy.
Craziest customer experience
Gilad was lucky to host Quentin Tarantino a few times in his bar. That alone was crazy enough.
Tel Aviv
He believes that Tel Aviv is one of the best cities in the world to eat and drink in. There is amazing food, drinks, and parties at all hours of the day and night. Tel Aviv usually has good weather and it is located on the coast—what more could you want? Last but not least, he calls it home.
Best decision
Marrying his wife.
Target in life
Be happy! There is a famous John Lennon quote that goes: “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
Images: ©Matthew Gorodiski
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