A good bar
in Kaliningrad.
Yesenin

A Saturday evening and a busy cultural programme on the eve of the main holiday, known in narrow circles — Philologist’s Day.
It was decided to mark this outstanding event in the most lyrical and literary place in the city — the bar “Yesenin”.

The place is located not far from the city centre — on Sovetsky Prospekt near the television tower. It is a project from the well-known Morrison bar, famous for its rock-and-roll spirit and atmosphere. Off to the lighthouse!

The moon is rinsing its mug in a puddle,

Lilac satin shines from the sky.

I stand here, needed by no one,

Lonely and drunk, alone.

There is little good in life,

Pain does not drown in the cursed wine,

Even the one I loved has stopped

Smiling when we meet.

At the door I am met by the administrator, who offers me a seat at the bar counter. In my opinion it is the best position for properly appreciating the whole kitchen, and not only the culinary one, naturally. I can note that there were almost no free seats at the bar. More practical guests book tables in advance, but we do not look for easy paths when inspiration has caught us.

Panoramic windows and soft low lighting create an inviting atmosphere for immersion and drinking. Rough concrete walls, massive wooden tabletops and a bar counter framed with Corten steel, and, of course, memorable chandeliers whose tiers are hung with leaflets bearing quotations from the poems of Russian classics:

And so it always is. At a drunken feast,

When the cycle of all days is completed,

Each of us, raising a mug,

Accidentally spills a tear into it.

The atmosphere in the place is the lightest and calmest: two interactive bar counters in adjoining halls, and separate seats with tables for small groups. Live music is playing — sheet music, a music stand, a girl.

The menu has sets of hot and cold starters, salads and desserts, and of course — alcohol. This includes a classic line of spirits, beer from local breweries and world brands, and a laboratory of the bar’s own tinctures and cocktails. An excellent selection of premium alcohol of different brands and flavour ranges — everything for the discerning gourmet.

An original idea is the menu made as a collection of poems. Truly a love of culture and poetry.

My choice fell on a unique and hitherto unexplored drink — Armagnac. Its main feature lies in the production technology — it is a brandy of the first distillation, which is how such an original and memorable bouquet is achieved. The special attitude to Armagnac in France is confirmed by a saying you can hear there about this drink: “We gave Cognac to the whole world, and kept Armagnac for ourselves.”

It is served in a classic snifter, which lets you properly appreciate and enjoy the whole multifaceted and warm taste of Armagnac. A complex bouquet with notes of vanilla and a tart woody aftertaste.

I could not skip the set of tinctures. Ah, it looks so gorgeous — shot glasses on a silver tray. All that was missing was a butler in livery: “What else would madam desire?”. The tinctures are fine — both tart and rich in flavour, but there is a nuance — you get tipsy unnoticed.

So that the evening would not stop being languid, it was decided to switch to a classic cocktail with gin and tonic. It is a light cocktail with a tart herbal taste and a note of juniper. The bartender’s final touch is a slice of cucumber, which adds freshness and softness, unlike lime or lemon.

By the bill — a range from 1,500 upward, as much as your heart desires.

And when at night the moon is shining,

When it shines... the devil knows how!

I walk, my head hanging down,

Along the lane to the familiar tavern.

I think the bar “Yesenin” is not without reason so popular among guests and residents of the city. Free and relaxed conversation, cultured bartenders, pleasant and quiet background music — everything for spending time pleasantly in the company of friends or colleagues.