The mayfly-like existence of Berlin bars was underlined last year by the sudden deaths of Flamingo and Trust, cut down in their prime at the tender age of one and two respectively. After inappropriately short periods of mourning (read: PR stunts), they’ve now been resurrected by Mitte’s nightlife cartel.
Trust (photo) has migrated south into bigger digs under the railway arches at Hackescher Markt. At the unmarked door, a stockinged door-whore and her muscle on the side give you a good once-over. Inside, the emphasis is on champagne and small bottles of liquor (20cl of house vodka for €22) with mixers. Beers, wrapped in hobo-chic brown paper bags, are also available, and for a fiver no less. Split over two floors, the gold-infused interior and nightly DJs do a fine job of loosening up the well-heeled clientele.
Just down the road in Monbijou Park, the revolving bar door has spat out Party Obsessed People (aka P.O.P.), which looks suspiciously similar to its pink-feathered predecessor. Here you can expect a cover charge of between €5-€10 for access to a totally black-walled and somewhat sweat-ridden space. There are promises of an evolving cultural mix of art and music, but at the moment it seems nothing more than a rebranded failing club.
Trust, on the other hand, just screams success; it’s 21st-century Mitte decadence at its most contrived and expertly executed. As Berlin’s 1990s raver generation settles awkwardly into middle age, count on more grown-up bars like these sprouting up to match their more mature tastes – and pockets.
Trust Bar, Neue Promenade 10, Mitte, S-Bhf Hackescher Markt, Thu-Sat, 22-5;
P.O.P., Kleine Präsidentenstr. 4a, Mitte, S-Bhf Hackescher Markt, Fri-Sat, 23-7
