Iconic Artesian bar loses several key bar staff members

By Erin Smith

Published: 09 November, 2015

Is it the end of an era for the iconic Artesian bar, a four-time winner of the World's 50 Best Bars, which lost its two lead bartenders Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale and nine other staff members?

Yesterday Kratena and Caporale finished their final shift with bar that they helped build as a drinkers' destination.

Suspended in time Artesian Bar, LondonSuspended in time

Kratena and Caporale handed in their notices just a few hours ahead of the The World's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony last month according to Harper's sister title Drinks International.

The other staff members that followed Kratena and Caporale include Roman Foltan, Rudi Carraro, Balazs Molnar, Pierre Long, Leo Colson, Carla Davina Soares, Petra Ferncova, Jamie Rhind and Eva Kovacikova.

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Fast money comes at a dangerous price Artesian BarFast money comes at a dangerous price

The Artesian built on the work of Kratena and Caporale has become one of the leading bars in London and has taken the crown of World's Best Bars four years on the trot.

The team, which is cutting edge in the spirits world, helped change the bar scene and the definition of modern day cocktails being served in London and beyond. With the use of designed glasswares and themed cocktail menus, the Artesian has come to optimise the revolution of the premium drinks offer centred around a premium customer experience.

The first project in the pipeline for the team will include the Multidisciplinary Collective which will look at creating the drinks of tomorrow.