Vienna’s Krypt cocktail bar takes over a newly discovered 18th-century cellar, which was once used as a subterranean speakeasy.

The space came to light during renovations on the surrounding building – located on the city’s Berggasse, in the
Alsergrund district – which uncovered a bricked up staircase concealing a basement area.

Local architecture firm Büro KLK overhauled the 250 sq m subterranean space, adding marble flooring and painting ventilation pipes gold to contrast the original brick archways and walls.

An unassuming narrow door leads down to the basement, which is accessed via a floating staircase and features a 7-metre-long bar, covered in walnut.

Büro KLK has incorporated nods to the space’s clandestine past – further research revealed it had served as a ‘semi-legal’ jazz club in the 1950s and 60s – adding several secluded nooks for guests to retire to.

Elsewhere, real and painted greenery livens up Krypt’s bare brick walls, and softness is added with leather seating and beanbags.

Sections can be closed off using drapes, and Büro KLK has created a sunken lounge area with chevron-patterned floors and blue velvet sofas. Strategically placed lighting helps emphasise the brickwork of the space, which also includes a tiny art gallery area.

Krypt bar is located at Wasagasse 17, 1090 Vienna, close to the city’s Sigmund Freud museum.

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