Before telling you about our newest project in Almaty, it is necessary to give you some historical background. It all started two years ago, when we discovered there was a contest named ‘Jameson HOST; Make your dream come true, open your own bar’. As real dreamers, we jumped into the ‘last carriage’, and managed to apply for the contest. At that time, we were already experienced in creating small corner bars and were preparing to open our first small independent bar on the bar street of Almaty.

Even though we weren’t very experienced in the bar industry, we spent nearly half a year, in constant stress, trying to fulfill all the tasks required as coolly as possible. We filmed videos, drew designs for the new brand, created concepts, and completely got in the process. We appreciate how much friends and patrons cared about us, demonstrating their tremendous support throughout that time.

In the midst of all this, we were looking for the perfect space for the new bar. Normally, we aim to match the bar concept to the location, but in this case the contest required certain perimeters that dictated the concept for which we needed to find a location. When we saw a big farmhouse in the city centre, we realized that it would be perfect for us and the contest.

Our vision was to create a gathering place for like minded people – friends and kindred spirits. As we worked on the contest, our vision took shape, and we aimed to create a place where people are always welcome, like a cheery circle of friends gathered around a campfire. This led us to the concept of the bar – camping – bringing the best experiences of nature into the city centre, a place where you are always welcome.

The spirit of camping is reflected in the bar’s design, the furniture, the bar list, and the menu, in everything really – it’s that spirit of getting back to the basics; sitting with friends around the campfire and experiencing that unity with nature.

Everything was created conceptually with the symbols of the Almaty people: the city, the apples, the mountains and what the Almaty people care about most. We stick to a simple serving, clear ingredients and, of course a lot of signature cocktails . Our priority is finding the perfect ways to align brand with the values of the Almaty people.

We cooperated with different illustrators and designers during the process of interior and brand development, and now we prepare some more interesting collaborations for the season to come. We are open to new things and want to bring a real uniqueness to our project by working with new artists and illustrators.

For those who haven’t visited us yet, please be assured our cuisine is delicious. We have added to the menu a few childhood dishes like the Almaty Kumpir, homemade potatoes, and fish soup that tastes like it was made out of doors.

While we know we have significant work to do to reach our goal of becoming a favorite brand among bars in Almaty, we continue to develop and arrange a variety of events, invite friends and always welcome new guests.

Bringing together people from different communities is the welcome we insist on – passionate people with burning hearts for what they love to do. Restobar is a place to meet old friends, make new ones who become good ones, and just catch up with close ones who make the best friends.