Creativity, sustainability and community are the cornerstones of Purovōku Project in Thessaloniki. The name derives from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word ‘provoke’ and is inspired by the radical 1960s Japanese photography magazine of the same name, known for its disruptive approach to the visual art. It provoked a question which guides the bar in its creativity: “Who makes the rules?”

With a minimalist design, the space is stark, simple and subtle with clean lines, neutral tones and natural materials that all create a tactile and contemporary feel while still being welcoming and comfortable for the guests who come for innovative cocktails.

The cocktail menu is built around the bar’s core values of seasonality, sustainability, and zero waste. Drinks are made using fresh, local ingredients – of which Greece has plenty – which are sourced from producers directly, particularly in Northern and Central Greece. While not creating waste themselves, the team also uses waste from surrounding businesses to use in their cocktails too – like spent coffee grounds from nearby coffee shops – and also grow their own herbs and vegetables in their greenhouse, like tomatoes which they use in their Bloody Mary and herbs for numerous garnishes.

Drinks are inspired by local cuisine and Greek culinary traditions and one day every week is dedicated to RnD to keep up with the fresh ingredients constantly coming through the door. Leftovers are transformed into garnishes and other drinks, such as the non-alc Trashionola which is made entirely from waste materials. There are also several in-house ingredients like cordials, syrups, liqueurs and ferments, and the team works diligently to ensure quality and consistency are top of the agenda.

Beyond drinks, staff wellbeing is of the utmost importance. Purovōku operates five days a week with limited service hours (six hours per day), fostering a healthy, balanced work environment for all of its team members. The bar also actively collaborates with local authorities to support community initiatives and ensure safety of guests within the venue, and locals and regulars get special discounts too. Social initiatives, charities and foundations are also supported through money made during initiatives like bazaars where the team collaborates with other bars on merch.

All-in-all Purovōku Project is working not just to give guests a great bar experience but also to make sure its staff and the ingredients they use can be utilised sustainability. As a drinker, it’s nice to know that the people that serve you and the produce you’re consuming are being as considered as the cocktails in front of you.