Temporary summer bars pop up here and there during the summer usually set up in parks, along the Scheldt or on wasteland. The Embarco summer bar however stands out because of its unique setting: the majestic inner courtyard of Antwerp’s Handelsbeurs. The idea for the ephemeral bar comes from Fiera; the metropolitan restaurant that settled in the Schippersbeurs, adjacent to the Handelsbeurs, at the beginning of 2020.
When the Royal Museum of Fine Arts reopens at the end of September, the team behind Fiera will operate the bar, grand café and fine dining restaurant of the KMSKA under the name Madonna. It is for this reason that the team wants to train new people and the concept of Embarco was born.
Conquistadores
Embarco [by Fiera] was chosen as the name for the temporary bar. Embarco is Spanish for ’embarkation’. This refers to the young people in training who will embark later on in either Madonna or Fiera. At the same time, Embarco also refers to the rich international history of the Antwerp Trade and Shipping Fair. The products (including drinks and spices) that were traded there since the 16th century came from all over the world, which is beautifully illustrated by the numerous world maps that adorn the walls of the Handelsbeurs.
From Black Pearl to Mayflower
Embarco’s rich maritime past is also reflected in the look and feel of the business. Crates, barrels and copper details transport visitors back to the belly of an old barge that you can only hope will one day reach its home port. The names of the cocktails served are always derived from famous or infamous ships. How about a Black Pearl (a twist on the Dark ‘n Stormy), a Flying Dutchman (derived from the Negroni) or the alcohol-free Mayflower? Each cocktail costs 14 euros and is accompanied by a delicious pintxo.
Cocktails
(€ 14 including a custom pintxo)
Black Pearl
Twist on the Dark ‘n Stormy
Tanduay Gold rum, lime, ginger syrup, Thomas Henry Spicy Ginger
Poseidon
Twist on the Pisco Sour
Pisco Porton, lime, sugar syrup, angostura bitters, egg white
Santa Maria
Twist on the Rum Sour
Tanduay Gold rum, lime, hibiscus
Diamond Princess
Twist on the Pornstar Martini
Zubrowka Biala vodka, vanilla, passion fruit, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Flying Dutchman
Twist on the Negroni
Roku gin, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, seasonal herbs
Interceptor
Twist on the Paloma
Camino tequila, Thomas Henry pink grapefruit, grapefruit juice, lime
Mayflower (mocktail)
0% gin, passion fruit, lemon and orange juice, Thomas Henry Soda Water
Our favourites? Poseidon and Diamond Princess. Love, love, love!
Embarco by Fiera, Handelsbeurs, Lange Nieuwstraat 14, 2000 Antwerpen, tel. 03 369 23 32, www.fiera.be
From Thursday 18 to Saturday 28 August
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight
