Cat and Mouse Beer Bar and Concept Store by Studio 8 ½

The ‘Cat and Mouse’ Beer bar and Concept store is the newest creative space in the heart of ‘Kapana’ (literally means ‘The Trap’) – the brand new creative district in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria in the place where a century ago the old craftsmen-district was. The place is located in the 100-years old 3-storey house, one of the many in this part, which are characterized by small front – and minimal floor size. The area is just 20 m2 per floor, and the bar is located only on the first ground level.

The program was to make simple beer store, but Studio 8 ½ goes beyond and created place for degustation of the hundreds strictly Belgium beers, as well as place to meet and chat with other beer-lovers in simple home-environment. In the same time, the bar is also a place for showing and exploring of design made by local craftsmen. The materials used are plywood and natural wood, non-painted metal elements, black walls and ceiling, as well as explored old brick-wall, part of the original construction of the building; metal wire, copper tubes and real traps used for lighting, etc. The concept and design of the interior are made by Studio 8 ½, which used the traditional elements known from its practice – all the materials are showed in its natural beauty, without covering or hiding of the original surfaces and finishing. All the lighting and furniture, except the chairs, are design and produced by Studio 8 ½, as well the design of the logo is.

Neither the minimal gloss floor-size, neither the small budget are a barrier, but an opportunity for the studio to show its philosophy about the interior and design. The whole project is coming to show one contemporary vision about new places in old districts of craftsmen and to develop one modern space in the historical center of the 8 000 years old and still living city of Plovdiv, a place that could be and to fit in every contemporary looking city around the world, which is open to future – simple, honest, cozy and funny.