Gamsei: A Hyperlocal Cocktail Bar Rethought

Buero Wagner's Innovative Design Merges Bavarian Tradition with Modern Craftsmanship

At Gamsei, the ingredients for cocktails are either wildly foraged by the staff or grown by local artisan farmers. This approach reestablishes a connection with local products, region, and culture, offering a unique experience in the globalized world of cocktail bars. The interior of the bar, designed by Buero Wagner, is a clear continuation of this philosophy. The design team drew inspiration from the ambiance of Bavarian beer culture and craftsmanship, incorporating extensive use of wood and lattice.

The bar's unique properties include amphitheater-style benches against opposing walls, eliminating the common separation of bartender and guest. Here, interaction is key, and everyone has a front-row seat. The bars have been stripped of all boundaries, with workspace and bar as one. All ingredients, including dried flowers, herbs, and self-made liqueurs, are displayed in a wooden built-in cupboard and in white ceramic bottles hanging from the ceiling.

Just like the cocktail ingredients, all materials used in the bar, such as wood, steel, and ceramics, were procured locally. The architects worked closely with local carpenters and manufacturers to produce custom-made solutions. The result is a wholly integrated concept that turns the event of drinking a cocktail into a novel experience.

Technical specifications of the design include a 40 sqm area with a capacity of 25 Pax. The design and research process started in September 2012 in Munich, and the interior was completed in April 2013. Since its opening, Gamsei has won prizes at the Mixology Bar Awards 2014 and has been widely published in lifestyle and design magazines.

In conclusion, Gamsei is a testament to the potential of hyperlocalism in the cocktail bar scene. It's a unique establishment that not only offers a novel cocktail experience but also pays tribute to local Bavarian culture and craftsmanship. It's a design that truly challenges the status quo and offers a refreshing take on the traditional cocktail bar.