Nestled in the heart of Kyiv's historic Podil district, Bursa Bar is a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar conceived as a cozy haven for vinyl enthusiasts and live-set lovers. Located on the ground floor of the Bursa Hotel, the venue feels like stepping inside a giant music speaker, courtesy of local architectural design practice Mirzoyan Studio who have encased the space in plywood. Swathed in warm mahogany and pine green tones, and punctuated by steel and ceramic accents, the venue’s minimalist interior beautifully merges Japanese design philosophy and Ukrainian craftsmanship.

The bar's design emphasizes functionality and simplicity. A central dancefloor is flanked by the bar counter on the one side and high-top seating on the other. At the far end of the dancefloor, the DJ booth and the extensive vinyl collection behind it take centre stage, being the first thing patrons see when they enter.

The designers worked closely with Ukrainian craftsmen to custom-make most of the venue’s furniture and décor. The use of plywood as the primary material for walls, ceilings, and furniture creates an unpretentious, enveloping atmosphere, enhanced by the warm mahogany tones of the walls and pine-green hue of the ceiling. The use of stainless steel for stool and table supports and glossy ceramic tiles for the counter’s façade subtly add gleaming accents while underscoring the sense of craftsmanship.

One of the significant challenges that the designers faced was ensuring adequate sound insulation, given the hotel rooms situated above the bar. This necessitated lowering the ceiling, which not only created a more intimate setting, but provided the space necessary to install a lattice structure housing lighting fixtures and ventilation systems, enhancing both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of the space. In combination with the speakers by Devon Turnbull, a.k.a. Ojas, which are highly regarded for their exceptional quality and distinctive aesthetic, the bar’s sound experience is unparalleled, providing patrons with an immersive and sonically rich environment that complements the venue’s sophisticated design.

All in all, Bursa Bar stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a unique, intimate venue where Japanese minimalism meets Kyiv’s dynamic nightlife head on.