Hot Iron Pokers Will Be Used to Make Drinks at This New Cocktail Bar

Artem Skapenko and Alex Kostenyuk, who are big on the Eastern European bar scene, are teaming up to open FlipDog in Old Street this spring, with ex-Tayēr + Elementary bartender Igor Brovko joining to lead the operation. The split-level venue will offer two distinct experiences; an intimate 20-seater space on the ground floor that can evolve and change with different collaborations, and an 80-seater area downstairs where the focus will be on technique-led drinks and refined service.

Technique and method will be central to the drinks programme at FlipDog, including plunging a 1200°C iron poker into a cocktail to caramelise the sugars and intensify the flavours in the drink, while adding a little theatre to the experience as well. There’ll be a menu of seasonal sharing dishes, taking influence from both Asia and Eastern Europe, to pair with the cocktails.

Speaking about the opening, Artem and Alex said: “We’re thrilled to bring FlipDog to the heart of London. Our vision is to craft a space that challenges conventions in the cocktail scene while remaining genuinely approachable. Each drink is crafted with precision, highlights will be the Loggerhead method where a 1200°C iron poker theatrically caramelises sugars, enhances texture, and intensifies flavour. At FlipDog, creativity and care underpin every drink and dish, delivered without pretension. The bar is a meeting point of design, flavour, technique, and the cultural roots that inspire us.”

It’ll be interesting to see how FlipDog goes down, given the similarities and proximity to Tayēr + Elementary.

Opening date | Sat 14th March 2026
Address | 104 – 122 City Road, London, EC1V 2NR
For more information | @flipdog.lnd