HRAM Kyiv
CONCEPT
HRAM is a temple of hedonism in the heart of Kyiv, where music, cocktails, and design converge into a multilayered space free of boundaries. Everyone is welcome here — regardless of religion, age, or personal style. The venue houses five bars under one roof, allowing guests to experience a cocktail bar crawl without leaving the building.
The word “khram” (храм) in Proto-Slavic traditions means “home,” and that’s how HRAM presents itself — a sanctuary for those seeking redemption through music, cocktails, and freedom of self-expression.
This project is especially meaningful for us, combining a deep conceptual and engineering approach with a lot of love — one of the co-founders of Barheads, Stepan Tsutsman, is also a co-owner of HRAM.
ARCHITECTURE
HRAM is located in the underground level of a business complex in Kyiv, directly beneath the restaurant BEEF. The design by YOD Group merges medieval symbolism with modern urban aesthetics. The interior is shaped by charcoal black, aged wood, oxidized copper, and amber-toned lighting filtered through stained glass.
The space is zoned without partitions; platforms, lighting, textures, and color shifts create fluid transitions and maintain rhythm throughout.
One striking visual and emotional element is the organ structure behind the DJ booth — a sculptural piece inspired by the form of a musical instrument, extending the venue’s religious metaphor and defining its scenography. The DJ booth itself stands on a platform made of reclaimed barn wood — a material already rich with history.
Centrum Bar
A mobile bar — the first of its kind in Ukraine — capable of changing its location based on the event format. The bar can be moved and reconnected to utilities at alternate points within the venue. Its equipment is coated in black to avoid reflective glare, as the bar is visible from the upper floor. It’s also the most compact two-bartender station we’ve ever created, relying heavily on the bartenders’ skill for smooth operation.
Vitrage Bar
The stage bar, adorned with a handmade stained-glass piece depicting the seven deadly sins in a modern interpretation. The amber-toned glass was crafted using traditional techniques. Many of the cocktails here are carbonated, dramatic in presentation, and conceptually tied to sin and redemption. Bartender stations face the audience, with two combined workstations, a freezer, and a refrigerated table.
Smoke Bar
Located near the smoking area, this bar specializes in smoky cocktails. Equipped with strong ventilation and a view of the main hall, it’s designed for two bartenders with similar station setup to Vitrage Bar. Its island-with-attachment configuration places the bartenders at the center, surrounded by guests.
Hide Bar
A secret, hidden room within HRAM, accessible only to a select few. It has its own lighting, DJ, aroma, and ambiance — designed for up to 40 guests. Its bar is larger and more privileged, both for bartenders and guests. It includes a double cocktail station, larger freezers, and refrigeration units to support both walk-ins and waitstaff.
Service Bar
The technical bar, located in a dedicated prep zone for staff. This bar streamlines service by taking pressure off the main stations. Staffed by three people, it handles cocktail premixes and supports all other bars. Without it, the venue couldn’t function efficiently.
ІНЖЕНЕРІЯ, РІШЕННЯ ТА ВИКЛИКИ
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First mobile bar station in Ukraine
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19 layout iterations — final concept approved after 6 months of planning
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Each bar built for two bartenders with full cold storage
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Ventilation system designed to isolate smells between zones
MUSIC: FAITH THAT RESONATES
At HRAM, music isn’t background — it’s the soul of the space. The curators took inspiration from gospel, the genre that laid the foundation for blues, jazz, and hip-hop. Here, gospel symbolizes transformation, unity, and rhythm. Live performances set the mood, evoking the energy of a modern-day worship — only with a cocktail in hand.
DNA of the bar:
- Hedonism
- Provocation
- Eye for detail