Flask is a brand new bar in Shanghai which pulls its inspiration from the times of prohibition, hiding its entrance behind a vintage Coca-Cola machine situated within a cheery sandwich shop called The Press.

“Considering that Shanghai has already seen its fair share of hidden speakeasy-themed bars and lounges we decided to build suspense and break it in an entirely unexpected fashion,” said Alberto Caiola, who handled the branding and interior design. “In order to maximise impact, we would need to execute the project in a fundamentally different, distinct way, building expectations and genuine surprise by creating contradictory, anachronistic aesthetics.”

At first glance, the traditional setting of the sandwich shop looks immediately familiar, but those who give it a closer look will pick up on some edgier details, such as the smoothly finished countertops, neon lights, and polished fittings against a rough concrete wall and floor. Of course, the centrepiece of the room is the Coca-Cola machine, which is split vertically to swing open and reveal the entrance to Flask, transporting visitors to another world.

By Huh Magazine:http://www.huhmagazine.co.uk/8532/flask—a-bar-hidden-behind-a-vintage-coca-cola-vending-machine-in-shanghai