It was my dream to work in this industry from an early age, but I wasn't allowed to start until I was sixteen. I inherited this dream from my family, as my grandfather, grandmother, uncles and parents all worked in the catering industry. Between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, I started washing dishes in a restaurant and worked my way up to the bar in a nightclub in a small town.
During my teenage years, I worked in a nightclub but quickly realized that I really enjoyed mixing "good drinks". At twenty-four, I moved to London and immersed myself in the world of cocktails and fine spirits. After stints in London, Paris and New York, I finally returned to Stockholm, where I now live with my wonderful family and run my own bar - Lucy's Flower Shop - together with Ola Carlson.
Lucy's Flower Shop
Behind an inconspicuous wooden door and an unassuming staircase in the heart of Stockholm's lively and upscale nightlife district lies a hidden cellar with one of the city's best-kept secrets: Lucy's Flower Shop. A creative retreat that appeals to both cocktail lovers and those who want to enjoy a convivial drink in a relaxed atmosphere.
Opened in November 2019 by Ola Carlson and myself, the small, intimate and cozy space seats just thirty-eight around its long, striking dark oak bar, which, as the focal point of the space, immediately gives a clear impression of what this place is all about. Inspired by our travels and combined with thirty-five years of experience running and working in bars, Ola and I had the vision to create the perfect cocktail bar for this space and location - with the bright, colorful and invigorating energy of a nightclub while offering a sophisticated cocktail program.
This is the first bar we have created where we have been able to express ourselves completely in every detail, from the planning and interior design to the staff, the drinks concept, the atmosphere and even the positioning of the sockets. A strictly minimalist concept that extends to the drinks menu. The bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and always has ten to twelve signature drinks on the menu. We also have a classic and contemporary selection of 154 drinks.
The future
I see the future as continuing in the same way as before: looking after guests, mixing great drinks and playing good music. I also hope that the industry continues to evolve and ensure that the younger generation of bartenders are nurtured so that we have great new talent in the industry for the long term.
Alex Skarlen himself
Born: 1987 Special skills: Talking, talking, talking and sometimes inventing my own worlds
Leisure time: Traveling, pizza and wine
Barkeeper since: 2006
Biggest mistake: Waiting too long to open my own bar
Most significant career move: Opening my own bar
Favorite cocktail: Red Hook, simply delicious!
Favorite bar: Attaboy (New York) - great drinks, great service and an institution
Stockholm in three words: Smallest metropolis in the world
This article appeared in
issue 5-2024
BAR NEWS magazine as single issue
