The Key Beer Bar: From a collection of old keys to a craft venue with character

Hidden in a cosy neighbourhood, The Key Beer Bar captures the spirit of a traditional English pub, leaving a mark on many of its visitors. Known for its 28 taps of draft beer, the bar is one of a kind in the city and stands out for two main reasons: its cold storage rooms for the brew and the warm hospitality of its bartenders.

Despite its unique concept and the symbolism hidden in every corner, like any business, it faces challenges. The Key Beer Bar had to overcome customer preconceptions before solidifying its position and eventually opening a second location.

From inspiration to reality

The Key Beer Bar opened its doors in 2018, with the vision of becoming an inviting place for all types of customers.

“I’m old-school; for me, a bar has always been a place for socialising and friendship. I wanted my customers to feel not like guests, but as if they were in a favourite cosy spot of their own. Over time, this concept became a reality and resonated with many customers – here, people find new friends and some even find the godparents for their weddings,” shares Kiril Nedkov, owner of The Key Beer Bar.

The bar’s design is the result of Kiril’s many travels, where he drew inspiration from around the world. The venue is a blend of retro elements and custom-made furniture, creating a stylish yet cosy atmosphere for visitors.

One standout feature is the abundance of keys, which aren’t just decorative – they carry symbolism and history.

“I used to be an avid collector of old keys. Each had its own story, carefully catalogued to show its origin and purpose,” Kiril explains.

Today, each glass of beer served is like a key to a new story and fresh memories. Every evening is an opportunity to open new doors to friendships, a philosophy reflected in the bar’s atmosphere and the team’s approach to every guest, treating each as a “key” to the success of the bar.

How The Key Beer Bar changed perceptions of draft beer

One of the biggest challenges The Key Beer Bar faced early on was people’s reluctance to try draft beer. Despite initially betting on draft, Kiril noticed that customers preferred bottled beer. To meet this demand, he added over 500 different bottled beers, gradually increasing the number of taps. Today, the bar offers 28 draft taps and 20 exclusive bottled beers that aren’t available on tap.

The success formula: cold and warm

Proper storage temperature is crucial for maintaining beer quality, as heat can spoil it over time. Each type has specific temperature requirements, with most preserving best between 10 and 12.8 degrees Celsius. As temperatures rise, oxidation speeds up, changing the flavour. One of The Key Beer Bar’s greatest advantages is its cold storage room, where beer is kept in perfect condition to stay fresh. Customers see the taps on the wall, but behind it lies a cold room, keeping the beer at optimal freshness.

While the beer stays cool, the bartenders’ warm approach creates a cosy atmosphere, turning each visit into a personal experience. The bartenders are a “living beer menu” and well-trained to offer personalised recommendations, helping everyone find the beer that best suits their mood and taste. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or new to the world of hops, the bar has something for everyone.

This approach has won many loyal customers, leading Kiril to carry the same concept into his second venture – The Key Beer Bar by the Sea, which opened in 2020.

The key to better service and fast payments

The Key Beer Bar has always prioritised its customers, aiming to deliver an experience combining a cosy atmosphere and quality service. However, as the number of international visitors grew, the team encountered challenges with card payments. Issues with traditional bank terminals began to inconvenience both the staff and the customers, especially when it came to international cards or modern payment methods.

“Our bar is visited by many foreigners. Payment issues became serious, as some cards weren’t accepted and transactions were declined,” shares manager Anela Todorova.

This slowed down the team’s work, especially during peak hours. Bills stayed open, lines grew, transactions failed and staff had to direct customers to the nearest ATM.

The solution came with the integration of myPOS devices, which offer various payment methods, so the team immediately noticed an improvement.

“No matter if visitors use a mobile device or a foreign card, all transactions go through in seconds. I highly recommend myPOS to all business owners who want to ease their team’s work and gain customers. We’ve attracted more customers; we haven’t lost them,” says Anela.

Today, The Key Beer Bar’s satisfied customers outnumber the types of beer in the world. And as the bar’s team says, “There’s a key for every door and a beer for every taste.” There’s also a payment solution for every type of business – even the smallest ones that have just found the courage to make their dream a reality.