Sopot after dark. A few drinks, questionable decisions and stories nobody wants repeated the next morning. Tucked away from the usual tourist madness is SPOT, a cocktail bar run by Michał, a former club promoter and barber who’s heard enough drunken confessions to write a bestseller. We tracked him down to talk cocktails, Sopot nightlife, customers behaving badly and why owning a bar means you’re basically at a party every night. Unfortunately, you’re also the one cleaning up afterwards.
SPOT is hidden away in Sopot. Genius, marketing or pure accident?
Pure accident! But maybe that’s what makes it special. Finding us isn’t easy, but once you do, you’ll remember the way back.
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevHow did you end up owning a cocktail bar?
I started as a club promoter. Terrible fit! Then I worked my way behind the bar and fell in love with bartending. When the chance to open SPOT came along, I grabbed it.
Has Sopot nightlife lost its soul?
It’s changed enormously in my nine years here. But there’s still an alternative to the tourist madness. That’s us! Fair prices, a great crew, karaoke and darts coming soon.
Come on, what’s the wildest thing you’ve witnessed?
Hundreds of stories. Unfortunately, what happens at SPOT stays at SPOT. Sorry!
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevAre bartenders really unpaid psychologists?
Absolutely! You need serious mental resilience. Some confessions are so outrageous I wish people had kept them to themselves.
What’s with the retro, slightly underground décor?
I grew up in the countryside loving nature. I made or modified much of the interior myself, with help from friends. There’s a lot of me in these walls.
Who’s the biggest nightmare customer?
Honestly, anyone can cause trouble
once alcohol gets involved!
Three drinks we absolutely must try?
Our signature Kiwi Star and Pineapple Kiss. And a classic Long Island Iced Tea. Two of those and your evening is definitely underway!
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevHave cocktails become ridiculously pretentious?
I’ve always believed beauty lies in simplicity. Give me a modest, clever garnish over a ridiculous fruit salad balanced on a glass.
What changes between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.?
Alcohol can completely transform people. But I think everyone already knows that!
Do you still enjoy partying on your nights off?
I used to be the first at the bar! Now I own one, my life has changed completely. Free time means improving SPOT or fixing whatever broke over the weekend. I’m already at a party every night!
What’s guaranteed to annoy you?
Guests bringing their own alcohol. Seriously? It’s disrespectful. You wouldn’t bring your own steak to a restaurant.
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevOne rule for Sopot nightlife?
Have fun together without unnecessary fights. Enjoy yourselves, behave like civilised human beings. Simple!
And what’s the secret behind Michał?
Determination and stubbornness. Once I decide to do something, I don’t give up easily. That’s probably why SPOT exists. I never imagined I’d end up running my own place, but here we are. Sometimes the best decisions are the ones you don’t overthink.
Michał has spent nine years watching Sopot after dark, and somehow he’s still smiling. Behind the cocktails, cheeky stories and occasional drunken idiot is a bloke who’s built his own little corner of the city’s nightlife. We left with one burning question: what exactly has he witnessed behind that bar? He wouldn’t tell us. Which probably means half of Sopot should be very, very grateful.