At just four square metres and with only four seats, Backdoor43 is the world’s smallest bar in the heart of Milan. But its offering is anything but small – 200 whiskies, tailor-made cocktails, takeaway drinks, a wheel of fortune for guests to spin for their bill: Backdoor43 is a slice of originality on Milan’s Naviglio Grande.

The opening of Backdoor43 was also original with a series of clues being spread around the city in crime books, creating a treasure hunt across Milan. It’s elusive in nature: guests can only enter with a reservation through a private entrance, booking lasts for just an hour, and the bartender is often wearing a Guy Fawkes mask. If you don’t have a reservation – cocktails are served through a hatch but you only see the bartender’s hands.

With such a small venue, every corner of it has been optimised to create not only a visually aesthetic space but a functional one too. Bottles of spirits, liqueurs and vermouths are hung on the wall behind the bar; the whiskies are also displayed vertically to make use of the limited floor space; while the bar itself is made of natural stone and dark wood and sits at floor level to maintain a casual atmosphere.

Cocktails are inspired by core concepts voted on by the team and use a mix of commercial (50%), artisanal (30%), and local suppliers (20%). The menu changes every six months with the current menu featuring a dark leather envelope containing individual cards. 

The bar is currently celebrating its 10 year anniversary and so has invited their alumni to create the drinks list – honouring their time behind the bar and recreating the cocktails that left the most lasting impression. A previous menu took the form of a 16th-century nautical fabric map and featured 12 of the smallest attractions in the world – mirroring the bars own diminutive size.

The team make homemade ingredients such as clarified cordials and shrubs which are created by macerating fruits, herbs, spices and more, maximising their flavours and bringing freshness to their serves. Garnishes are used thoughtfully and ice is taken very seriously, with the team even collaborating with specialised companies to create ice with aromas and colours such as citrus and fresh herbs that release distinct notes as it melts. Glassware is also chosen to reflect each individual serve. Takeaway drinks are served with medium-sized Hoshizaki ice cubes to control dilution and for drinkers enjoying Backdoor43 canal-side, there is also the option to order food from partnering restaurants.

Welfare and solidarity are important to the management at Backdoor43. A perfect example of this is the bar’s €1 broken glass policy. For every glass broken by the team at the bar, each member of staff donates €1, topped up by the owners. The culminated money is spent on a gift for the team – turning a mistake from a punishment into one of unity and togetherness.