Duo behind ‘world’s best bar’ leave Artesian

Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale, the dynamic duo behind the “world’s best bar”, Artesian at The Langham hotel, have left the bar to start their own venture.

Alex Kratena

As reported by Drinks International, the pair handed in their notices on 8 October, just before being awarded the title of World’s Best Bar for the fourth year running.

Kratena and Caporale have decided to part ways with the bar to pursue three separate drinks projects.

DI reports that The Langham management was “speechless” at the news, with Kratena describing the moment when nine members of staff decided to hand their notices in after hearing the announcement as “like a scene from a movie”.

“It’s been an incredible pleasure and privilege to lead Artesian for the past eight years and I will always be grateful to The Langham for its continued support and creative freedom we received. Even though we will miss our team, Simone and I are ready to pursue new challenges,” Kratena said.

Kratena had clocked up eight years working for the bar and Caporale five, in which time it shot to international fame for the pair’s avant-garde cocktails. Last year’s list included drinks aged in leather and served in golden pineapples billowing with smoke or china cups that are set on fire.

In July the pair launched a new list inspired by Surrealism, which included a cocktail served in a giant ant, another in a Lego elephant and a third arriving with a Hermès-scented furry rim.

The pair plan to launch their own London bar in 2017, which will be an entirely new concept to Artesian stripping drinks back to their core elements, according to DI. Another non-for-profit project will focus on improving the drinks industry.