To the heartbreak of its frequenting fans, the much-loved, local underground cafe bar Berlin d2 closed its doors last year. However, recently, to the joy of many, the bar announced via Facebook that they were reopening, but moving from their previous location on the corner of Coppinger Row and Clarendon St, to a similarly central spot on Dame Lane.
Taking over the premises that was once home to The Front Door, Berlin d2 now enjoys a full late-bar license and more space, with much in store, from entertainment to food. The long wooden tables and benches, recognisable to Berlin’s past clients, have been brought back as seating both outside and inside Dame Lane. When entering through the back door, one finds themselves in a small and intimate space, with DJ decks perched in the corner and a local DJ playing electronic tunes. All is reminiscent of the old Berlin.
When walking through the front door facing Dame St, a larger and more open space with high tables hints at something more sophisticated. It seems that all efforts made are to merely enhance what Berlin was before, keeping the vibe the same, whilst making everything else better than ever. Equipped with a full food and cocktail menu, the establishment is eagerly awaiting their new coffee machine, which will allow them to stay open from morning until late at night. Berlin’s comeback has been much anticipated, as there are very few places in Dublin where one can enjoy a morning coffee, grab lunch and then bop along to great music on a laid-back night with friends.
Speaking to The University Times, Stephen McCusker and Kristin Hawthorne of Berlin d2 say they hope to install a divide to split the establishment in two as required. With the ability to transform the space from two bars to one large venue in minutes, they plan to provide something for everyone.
The intimacy of their last location can be retained with the divide closed, keeping the techno contained to one side, while bringing more acoustic sets to the window by the front entrance on Dame St. “It’s kind of Berlin 2.0, but we want to keep that same ethos that we had before. When you came in, big hello, didn’t matter what you were into. It might not suit you every night of the week, but there will be something for you on one of the days”, says McCusker. Hawthorne explains: “You might love the techno DJ, but your friends might not. We want you all to be able to come together and enjoy yourselves.”
“On a Sunday say, we have jazz going and then we have drum and bass going, and a funk band. It’s a bit of a chameleon”, McCusker adds. Berlin is just as invested in providing high quality food as they are entertainment, informing The University Times that they have consulted The Vintage Kitchen for guidance with their menu. Currently, there is a practical but refined provisional menu consisting of salads, pizza and pasta, so things are looking promising.
Berlin d2 aim to provide a quality experience for what you pay, and are not interested in drinks deals and similar customer incentives. In the old Berlin, the atmosphere was what you came for, something McCusker and Hawthorne hope to carry on providing.
The cost of your drink will buy you all night entertainment and good, friendly company, something absent from much of Dublin’s nightlife. The establishment is also working on another bar project in the basement of the premises, with entry solely through the back. With it, the proprietors hope to bring an element of aloof exclusivity. This space will host a poitín pop-up bar for the next six weeks, with more lined up for the months to come.
For Berlin d2, it’s not about the money. The reopening is an endeavour to provide something new, alternative, relaxed and much-needed in the city centre. Judging by hear-say, many of Berlin’s past customers will soon return to their old haunt, and a number of old staff are also itching to come back. A place meant for people of all ages and walks of life is projected to be reincarnated – only time will tell whether this is realised. Berlin needs a few finishing touches before it is completely ready to launch, but when it does, it is sure to reignite with a bang.
