The Kinly – Frankfurt

This is a bar that I write about with great pleasure. You ask yourself if there are any good cocktail bars in Frankfurt? Well yes there are and not only one. There are a few to choose from. That’s not the reason though why I love to write about this bar. The reason is Armin Azadpour and René Soffner. Two friends of mine who know each other for a long time now and decided to open a bar together. I got to know Armin in Zurich when he was running a bar and we shared the same interests on how a bar should feel and look like. Soon after we became friend, he opened a temporary small speakeasy together with another friend and I helped them out.

A highly successful place within days. Guests loved everything about it. The interior, the hidden aspects, the bar layout, the secrecy about it and last but not least the drinks. René came as a guest bartender a couple of times but was working full time at the Parlour in Frankfurt. Another well known bar which was in the top 50 at that time. René tends to be the mastermind behind the drinks. The alchemist, the scientist, the innovator. From thermo-mix to sous-vide and as far as rotary evaporator. All kind of gadgets are used in this underground lab. Still very young but with huge potential. You think it went up there into his head and he shows attitude? Far from. Rather quiet, a thinker, calm personality and always good for a laugh and a shot or two. René wouldn’t be René without him putting a shot in front of me. Not some cheap one of course. A classy bourbon or rum. Armin has come a long way with his cocktail knowledge but tends to be more in the background and pulls the strings. When you read all the articles about this new bar in the red light district of Frankfurt, one could think only René is running the show since he is well known in Germany as a bartender. Armin says he prefers it this way. It always needs two to tango and this partnership is a perfect match as Armin brings in style, perseverance, entrepreneurship and the personality of being the perfect host. He is a salesman who could sell ice to Eskimos. Always up for a little joke and he has ideas, and he is not short of them.

So what came out of this symbiosis, is a little hidden gem in that rather dodgy neighbourhood of Frankfurt close to the main station? The door at Elbestrasse is dark and slightly recessed. There is no sign only a petroleum lamp hangs over the entrance, protected from any kind of weather that might come. It resembles what the bar stands for, no matter what might come you are in a safe haven for excellent cocktails. One must ring to enter and one of the hosts will open the door for you. You are lucky if you get in as the place has made a name for itself in a very short time. No wonder if you look at the place and the drinks. You walk down a few broad steps into a vaulted cellar full of surprises and small niches. On one side there is a big table for parties for up to 10 people to enjoy punches and celebrate. On the other side you step towards the bar counter that is over the whole width of the vaulted cellar. So much attention to detail as in the Kinly is rarely found in bars around the world. Styled through from entrance to toilet. The walls painted in a warm olive green colour. Old boxes, vintage cameras, glasses, trays, stuffed birds, carbon filament lamps. There is even one that goes on if somebody rings. No annoying sound. All very discreet. You feel like thrown back right into prohibition time. I could go on forever. A paradise for vintage lovers. Put together with some much love and passion that you want to become a collector instantly. A speakeasy like in a storybook. The cocktail menu has selected cocktails and is clearly arranged. Picks from the menu include the Kaya Colada with Bacardi, Pandan, Milk Syrup, Pineapple, Lime and Cardamom Mint Hydrosol Ice. There is something for everybody and the menu is still further developed as I write this. A house punch cannot miss on the menu since the place just asks for it with that big table in one corner under the big reindeer hunting trophy. You can just imagine the secret plots that are discussed in a group of elegantly dressed gentlemen smoking a cigar or a pipe. Kinly is non smoking next to the counter but in the other area of the bar you can light your cigarettes. If you had one drink too much order a bite to eat. There is no selection but who needs one if the Kinly sells the best Hot Dog in town. Homemade pickles and sauces, all presented as it came out of the classiest kitchen in New York. A delightful sight if you get this heavy piece of sin. You have to love it, there is no room for anything else. I know this bar will become more and more successful the next year. I will follow it closely and revisit as often as I can. I finally found a reason to travel to Frankfurt.

Update: Armin Azadpour opened his own bar in Frankfurt, the “Hunky Dory”.

 

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