KANAAL BAR: WHERE CRAFT BEER IS QUEEN
Liubomir Chonos, co-founder and manager, has created a cult classic place for craft beer lovers in Bulgaria
When the couple Antonia and Liubomir Chonos opened Sofia's first craft-beer place, in 2012, the very concept for artisanal brews was new to the local public. Not anymore. Kanaal Bar is the place to sit, a pint glass in hand, when you want to discover new Bulgarian and international labels and breweries, to experiment and discover new tastes, or to indulge in old favourites. So far, Kanaal has brought over 6,500 beer labels to the attention of lovers of exquisite beer-making from Bulgaria and abroad. And they have no intention to stop.
Why should we sit for a beer or five at Kanaal Bar in the summer of 2022?
The bar has a lush green summer garden, well-hidden from the busy boulevard, and is the perfect space to meet friends and family. We offer stunning selection of beers, and a top-notch installation for craft beers on draft with 38 taps.
The past two years were hard for everyone in the industry, but we were lucky to not only survive. We actually doubled our space. We also started opening at 9 am with a selection of wonderful coffees. So, you can visit Kanaal Bar from morning till late at night.
What has changed for the 10 years since Kanaal Bar appeared on the market?
The concept of craft beer got hold among both producers and consumers in Bulgaria. Today, there are about 15 craft breweries in Bulgaria and there are many dedicated craft beer places in Sofia and the big cities.
The Bulgarians now cherish and know what craft beer is and how it is different from industrial one. They seek artisanal brews, and some labels can now be bought in supermarkets. Which is great.
Which beers should we try at Kanaal Bar?
This is a highly individual choice, some people like more bitter or sweeter beers, others prefer the taste of hop or strong imperial stouts. They will find all of these at Kanaal Bar. We represent not only Bulgarian breweries, but also the best and most exciting producers from Europe and the USA, including some very rare and expensive ones.
Now, for example, we have draft beer from the last and only keg of its kind in the world. We also offer dessert beers by Omnipollo, a Swedish brewer with really crazy ideas. They are not for everyone's taste, but if you want to experiment, they are fantastic.
Sofia, 2 Madrid Blvd
mobile: +359 882 856 346
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