In a long narrow space of just 65 sq.m. in Thessaloniki, the Cafe Bar RE designed by the practice of Architecture in Concept headed by Minas Kosmidis, invites the over 40s to take a trip down memory lane and the under 40s to enjoy a taste of what they had missed in the four decades between the 1950s to the 1980s.

This decidedly cult space, created with love, imagination and humor takes its name RE as a reference to the prefix in the English language meaning ‘again’ and the somewhat retro addendum of a sentence in the Greek language, used as a form of emphasis! This environment of a nostalgic journey back in time to a more innocent and carefree era of adolescence is combined with the theme of travel perhaps due to the long narrow train like dimensions of the space.

An industrial element is exhibited in the exposed pipework and the metal supporting structure which contrasts with the pretty pink sofa, above which are displayed a range of 2D and 3D memorabilia, reigned over by Hendrix! The multi-colored tiles of the bar, which reference the iconic band Rainbow, becomes one of many notes of symbolism which abound at every turn within this fascinating interior. A blackboard and world map with forms of transportation remind us of our daydreams in an age before the virtual world of the internet and TV and today’s world of instant gratification. Towards the rear of the space, before the stairs leading to the upper level, a play area of vintage books, games and vinyls are accompanied by a Monopoly mirror, frisbee clock, dart board and of course James Bond, together with the brick wall of Pink Floyd!

The bathrooms are not to be missed, a reminder of Warhol’s ‘15 minutes of fame’ saying above a wonderful can of Campbells soup washbasin! This incredibly fun nostalgic space is a physical homage to the not too distant past which still lives within the heart and soul of the young at heart as well as the youth of today who recognize the value of this ground -breaking era, which now, thanks to Minas Kosmidis, can be re-experienced in the Cafe Bar ‘RE’.