One of the places to put in a category “I go there when I’m down and when butterflies are flitting in my stomach”. A place with soul and a history, a bar in the best meaning of the word.

Taking the ground floor of one of the capital’s oldest cinemas, Speakeasy was opened in the 90s and was always a place for a chill after-party with cheap alcohol and a relaxing atmosphere. Completely rebuilt, today it is a true and perfect bar with all the attributes.

“Parovoz” is the transliteration for the Ukrainian “locomotive” – that explains the form and interior of the place. Classy looking barmen dressed like butlers in high society houses of England are real fans of what they are doing – you will understand it when reading the menu. Each of these guys are well known in Kyiv, and together they are a real dream team.

The music is just right and never too loud – you will not have to shout in a lad’s ear to be heard. The wall-sized screen at the entrance can show black and white retro movies or historical documentaries.

Being a bar doesn’t deprive Parovoz from a significant food menu and many praise the mignon steak here.

The place is both great for the Friday warm up before a night out or for a midday glass of wine at the bar, talking to the barman and watching what he’s doing.

Tip for olive-lovers: Speakeasy is an unexpected place for Ligurian olives in Kyiv.