Speakeasies – the mythic bars of the 1920s, only open for the sworn-in members. Sweden never officially had any prohibition laws (the public voted against a ban in 1922), but tendencies of the time led to the ban of certain beers and ciders. The prohibition times are over, but the thought of a real speakeasy is still magic. Meet Stockholm’s take on prohibition: Melt bar.

Hidden away, in what looks like a residential area, lies Melt bar. The windows are covered with dark curtains, and quite frankly the place looks closed pretty much all the time. When you walk in you’re greeted by a decadently decorated bar, with heavy red velvet curtains, dark ebony tables and sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. At first you’ll think that this is it, but behind one of the curtains, there’s a spiral staircase, leading down to an open space, complete with a grand burlesque-stage, and tête-à-tête seating in the small nooks around the room. The Melt staff are all dressed in 1920s fashion and they serve cocktails, beer in brown bags and shots of absinthe.

The bar also hosts themed events, such as Burlesque Bingo and DJ-sessions. If you visit on a weekend, chances are high you’ll catch a pop-up entertainment number featuring burlesque and jazz.

Melt does serve food, but I recommend you go for the amazing drinks. One of my favorites is the Hemingway daiquiri (lime, grapefruit, sugar, Maraschino and rum).

Every time I visit this place, my heart truly melts (pun intended).