Bar lets patrons serve themselves from personal mini bars

A few weeks ago, we wrote about a Washington, D.C. bar that cuts wait times for drinks through a no-standing policy. A new bar in Amsterdam has devised a different strategy: guests serve themselves from their own mini bars. The establishment, Minibar, is set to open soon. How it works? Customers leave a passport or driver’s license with a staff member and are given an ice bucket and a key to their bar. The numbered mini fridges fill an entire wall, and vary in size and content—guests can choose from beer bars, champagne bars and mixed bars. Like an old-fashioned food automat, the mini bars are stocked from the back, making for easy restocking and out-of-sight logistics. Designed by renowned Dutch design firm Concrete, Minibar offers consumers a new experience—one that’s sure to be welcomed by those who are fed up with waiting in line or aren’t willing (or able) to shell out for pricey bottle service. We wouldn’t be surprised to see similar concepts popping up around the world. (Related: Tap your own beer.) Spotted by: Ruben Feith