MELT Bar & Restaurant: Welcome to Stockholm’s first speakeasy bar

Inspired by the speakeasy bars of New York in the 1920s, MELT Bar & Restaurant brings world-class glamorous entertainment, eclectic food and luxurious cocktails to the heart of Stockholm. Let the fun begin!

MELT Bar & Restaurant is a 1920s speakeasy in a New York inspired bar across three floors. The atmosphere is decadent and glamorous, with heavy red velvet curtains, dark ebony tables, sparkling chandeliers and gold mirrors. Behind one of the curtains, a spiral staircase leads down to a burlesque stage.

“Our vision is to give guests an unforgettable evening with old-school entertainment including burlesque performances, song, dance and circus acts, and of course fabulous cocktails,” says Maria Söderström, owner. “An extraordinary experience awaits.”

Prohibition with illegal bars

The prohibition era was a nationwide constitutional ban in the US on sale, production, importation, and transportation of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. During this time, there were over 30,000 illegal bars in New York, called speakeasies.

These secret bars could be found in basements, back alleys, through telephone booths, and even funeral homes. Most of them required a password to enter and the term speakeasy suggested that guests had to talk softly as not to catch the attention of the police.

“Once inside, there was live music, performances and most importantly alcohol,” explains Maria. “Many speakeasies served drinks in coffee cups or tea cups, just in case the place was raided by the police.”

Cabaret and burlesque bingo

In the heart of Stockholm, behind the door marked with a golden M, a new surprise awaits guests. MELT puts on vibrant cabaret acts from a rotating cast of international burlesque dancers, singers, acrobats, jugglers, and more. You never know when someone will suddenly burst into song and dance next to you.

“The basis of what we show is burlesque, which has always been a reflection of current times for over 200 years,” says Maria. “These days, you could say that burlesque stands for a mix of satire, fashion, drag, circus arts and body positivity.”

On Thursdays, you also have the chance to try your luck at the free burlesque bingo, a concept seen at similar clubs in New York, Berlin and London.

Raving reviews and love in the air

Since opening its doors, reviews from guests have been nothing but outstanding. “Most people who visit MELT for the first time are amazed, they have never seen anything like it,” Maria smiles.

In the words of one guest; “This place is BY FAR the best in Stockholm. After an evening here I feel nearly in love with the world, and that’s not due to the delicious drinks. The atmosphere is so warm and accepting, and the people working here are the most beautiful and adorable.”

Guests are welcome from late August to early June, with special themes such as Halloween, all depending on the season. During spring, MELT is particularly popular for hen parties. “At most, we’ve had nine hen parties at the same time. Spring means that there’s lots of love in the air!”

Apart from brides-to-be, who are bound to enjoy all the fun to be had at MELT? “We cater to guests of all ages and origins,” adds Maria. “On any given evening, we can have everything from 20-year-olds who have just discovered us to 80th birthday parties. Anyone who understands and appreciates this type of live entertainment is more than welcome.”

Web: www.meltbar.se
Facebook: MELT Bar & Restaurant
Instagram: @meltbar