Wanted in Rome
Patrick Pistolesi brings his signature retro-futurist style to the capital's historic heart with a focus on classic elegance and Japanese design. Internationally acclaimed cocktail bar Drink Kong is expanding its footprint in Rome, opening a second location in the central Campo Marzio district on Friday 17 April. Located at Via dei Prefetti 22, the opening marks a new milestone for founder Patrick Pistolesi, whose original Monti-based bar has been a mainstay on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for seven consecutive years. Concept and design The new space continues the brand’s signature "retro-futurist" aesthetic and can accommodate around 50 guests. The interior is divided into three distinct areas including the main room, dominated by an eight-metre bar counter and a floor-to-ceiling back bar housing Pistolesi’s extensive spirit collection. There is also a lounge with a communal table along with a more intimate, Japanese-inspired space that draws inspiration from the "Nite Kong" concept - the club adjacent to Drink Kong in Monti. The decor is enriched with pop culture references, including an original Japanese Lost in Translation poster and soundtracks ranging from Star Wars to Akira Kurosawa films. Drinks list While the original Drink Kong is known for its avant-garde approach, the Campo Marzio location shifts towards a "refined back-to-basics" philosophy, or a "return to the future" as Pistolesi calls it. The menu has a strong focus on classic cocktails (€20) reinterpreted in a contemporary way, alongside the signature cocktails (€18-€20) that have made the venue famous, such as the Gaijin, Puntarella Rossa reports. The menu also has a dedicated section offering five variations of the Martini, a selection of high-end classic cocktails, Champagne-based drinks and sophisticated non-alcoholic options. Location Pistolesi has stated that the opening is part of a mission to revitalise Rome's historic centre, bringing high-quality mixology to a neighbourhood traditionally dominated by tourist-centric establishments. The new location is not a replica of the Monti location, and is designed to interact with its surroundings while maintaining a distinct identity. "I've long wanted to bring Rome's historic centre back into the spotlight" - Pistolesi told Puntarella Rossa - "The new Drink Kong will be a temple for those who believe a bar isn't just a place to drink, but a place to experience." Photo Alberto Blasetti
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