Uncle Tan’s Drinking House is a neon playground

The Greek bar is inspired by a long-lost Singaporean relative

Cartoon dragons cavort around this neon-drenched drinking den in Piraeus, which is filled with hints of the life of its fictional owner Uncle Tan.

Red, purple, and slime green neon lighting clash inside Uncle Tan’s Drinking House, which brings the bright glowing streets of Singapore to the Greek port city. Athens design studio Studiomateriality came up with the playful concept, which is based around the character of Uncle Tan – the imaginary owner of the bar, who moved to Greece in pursuit of his long lost family.

Artefacts of his life are scattered, treasure hunt-style, around the space. Keen-eyed diners can spot a fishing rod from his career as a fisherman, as well as portraits and recipe books. The bar offers plenty to keep drinkers amused in between cocktails, including a claw arcade machine and shelves of miniature aquariums.

The bright neon lights, and illustrated dragons, are offset with simple material choices – concrete floors, tiled walls and steel furniture. Uncle Tan’s menu offers classic cocktails made with Asian ingredients, think Japanese sake, Indonesian spiced rum and calamansi from the Philippines.

Marina Zeas, Pireas 185 36, Greece

Uncle Tan’s Drinking House is a neon playground
Photography: Alina Lefa
Uncle Tan’s Drinking House is a neon playground
Photography: Alina Lefa
Uncle Tan’s Drinking House is a neon playground
Photography: Alina Lefa
Uncle Tan’s Drinking House is a neon playground
Photography: Alina Lefa
Uncle Tan’s Drinking House is a neon playground
Photography: Alina Lefa

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