Alan Prekop, the acclaimed architect known for breaking conventions and creating spaces that demand attention, has designed a bold and inventive interior for Vydrica. His unmistakable signature and unconventional elements promise that Vydrinko will be far from just another wine bar in town – it will be a place where the classic idea of a wine bar meets a distinctly unconventional design.
In the heart of Bratislava’s new Vydrica district – a development that bridges the historic charm of the old castle quarter with striking modern architecture – Vydrinko is preparing to open its doors. Guests can expect a warm atmosphere and a carefully curated wine list, with bottles from Italy, France and Slovakia, complemented by a handful of selections from the New World, particularly California. To accompany the wines, there will be cured meats, cheeses and an expanding food menu, including all-day breakfasts.
From Parisian Inspiration to a Chequerboard Floor
“At first, we considered two options for the flooring: one more conservative, a black terrazzo, and another inspired by the research we did during the concept phase,” Prekop recalls. “We realised that many wine bars across Europe use a chequerboard pattern. We included it in the design and the clients loved it immediately.”
Although he initially favoured terrazzo, Prekop is delighted the clients opted for the chequerboard. “It gives the space exactly what it needs – and it will shout ‘VYDRINKO!’ he says enthusiastically.
Unconventional Seating for Conversations That Flow
The seating concept at Vydrinko also defies convention. “The client wanted lounge seating with sofas. I’m not the biggest fan of sofas in bars,” Prekop admits. “When there’s music playing and the bar is buzzing, you can’t sit on a sofa as if you were at home – you won’t hear what the person opposite is saying.”
Instead, drawing on conversations with his closest friend, Prekop came up with an alternative arrangement that will surprise visitors and become a defining feature of the space.
Personal Service with Modern Functionality
For Laura Vargová, the owner of Vydrinko, personal service is at the heart of the concept. “We want to know our guests and adapt to their needs,” she says. “This bar marks the beginning of our journey in hospitality.”
The choice of Vydrica was deliberate. “This development, in both scale and quality, is set to become a lively destination for residents and visitors alike. We wanted to bring an equally engaging, modern and functional venue that would be a natural addition to the neighbourhood,” Vargová explains.
Premium Lighting and a Transparent Store
One of the standout features will be bespoke lighting. “We’ve used more than 50 lamps. I didn’t want dim lighting – quite the opposite. I want light to transform the atmosphere and adapt with time,” Prekop explains.
Another striking element is the storage, placed right by the entrance. “The ground floor is dominated by a cooling box. We’ve positioned it at the front so that its contents tempt passers-by. Wine bars stock only good and interesting things – wines, hams, cheeses – so why hide them away at the back?” he argues.
Materials with Character
The interior of Vydrinko also resonates with the architecture of Vydrica. “What first caught my attention here were the materials used on the façades. I like how the architects worked with variety, ensuring each building feels unique. That’s why we’ve used façade plaster in the interior too,” says Prekop.
Steel and charred timber are another pairing. “We’ve used them to separate the back-of-house area from the bar in a kind of barricade structure. The charred wood is more durable and has a deep, smoky hue that I love. Together with the steel, it creates a striking and valuable feature,” he adds.
Vydrinko: Where History Meets Modernity
Vydrinko is set to become a one-of-a-kind destination where the historic character of its location blends with a modern sensibility; where the traditional offer of a wine bar meets design innovation; and where quality is the golden thread – from the wine list and the service through to the design of the space itself.
