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Slideshow
Top 10 unusual bars
The world is filled with exotic bars boasting breathtaking views and well-mixed cocktails. But not all push the boundaries of what is possible like this collection.
From an underwater bar in the Maldives to a bar 1,000 feet underground, there are more than a few unique food and drink experiences available to the well-informed thirsty traveller.
We have rounded up just a few of our favourite bars from around the world offering not just a pint and a bar stool – but an unforgettable experience.
Scroll through to see our favourites.
The Desert Bar, USA, Arizona, Parker
For a real flavour of the wild west visit The “Nellie E Saloon”, or Desert Bar, located in the Buckskin mountains in Parker, Arizona. Stood on a former mining camp, the land was acquired by the bar’s current owner in 1975. The bar opened in 1983 as a simple, temporary three-sided structure. Since then the bar has gradually grown in size and now welcomes patrons every weekend who travel into the desert to experience its unusual charm.
Clo Wine Bar, USA, New York
Clo is located on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Center in New York City. The high-tech bar was founded by Andrew Bradbury who first developed the touchscreen eWinebook—an electronic wine list containing a 3,500-strong selection of wines. An interactive table allows customers to explore Clo’s 100-plus wines according to different criteria directing them automated dispensers that sell tasting samples. Sommeliers are on hand to lend a human touch.
Icebar, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Icebar, created by the same people who brought us the Icehotel, was first set up in 1994 opening as the world’s first Icebar. Guests can enjoy a drink at its ice-carved bar from glassware made of ice, before dancing on a floor made of snow. Every year the Icebar melts into the ground and is re-crafted by sculptors the following year in a different guise making each visit unique.
Deep, Makarska, Croatia
Deep is located inside a natural cave in Makarska, Croatia, which has been transformed into a bar over looking the Dalmatian coast. Split into two levels, Deep offers a club area and another chill out lounge to watch the sunset from. It is a famous night-spot for famous residential and international DJ’s, so you may even get a surprise performance by a well-known artist during your visit.
Mina Club Bar, Zacatecas, Mexico
The world’s deepest bar is located 1,050ft below ground at the bottom of a disused silver and gold mine in Mexico. The ride to the unique bar is said to be as memorable as the bar itself.
Subsix, Niyama, Maldives
Subsix is an underwater bar located 500-meters off the shore of the Niyama resort in the Maldives. Enjoy a glass of what you fancy while gazing at the underwater life of the Indian Ocean. After hours the bar transforms into an underwater club with, arguably, one most spectacular backdrops in the world.
Dinner in the Sky, Worldwide
Dinner in the Sky is a unique dining experience that involve hoisting 22 diners 50 meters in the air to enjoy a meal of their choosing catered by a team of professional chefs. The experience is available to hire for up to eight hours and can be held at any location provided there is a surface of at least 500 m² that can be secured.
Dans le Noir, London
A unique dining experience which invites guests to dine in darkness and explore their perceptions of food and drink. Served in total darkness by blind people, diners are invited to take part in this sensory experience and given a choice of four different surprise menus; White, Blue, Red or Green. Food is paired with wine by the restaurant’s in-house blind wine expert, Christophe Garnier.
Museum HR Giger Bar, Gruyéres, Switzerland
Part of the HR Giger museum in Switzerland, the HR Giger bar seems to take its interior design inspiration from the sci-fi film Alien. The cavernous bar is filled with skeletal remains including a huge double arch vertebrae structure that criss-crosses the ceiling of the ancient castle.
Ozone, Hong Kong
Currently the world’s highest bar, Ozone is located on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong. The ultra-modern bar boasts an innovative cocktail program and exotic Asian tapas menu with stunning views of Victoria Harbour from its outdoor terrace.