Lochness

Looking back at my time living in Florence in 2011, Lochness still stands out as the lounge that served the best cocktail of my life (what I now dub my «soul cocktail»).
My roommate at the time introduced me to it and said that instead of ordering off the menu, you should tell the bartender whether you want a sweet vs. dry cocktail and alcoholic vs. non-​alcoholic. The very first cocktail I tried ended up being my favourite, and I wish it had a name (and that I could have its recipe) so that I could replicate it! It was a sweet, peachy alcoholic cocktail created by the bartender Francesco, who may or may not work there anymore.
Sometimes they would fancy-​up my cocktail with some flaming fruit.
Sigh, writing about this makes me want to go back and order another! One day!!!

Hands down one of the best bars in Florence, this place is a great cocktail lounge near Piazza Santa Croce and they have delicious cocktails with quality ingredients. It’s one of the places that me and my friends go to catch up and they always have cool events organized by Trine, the vivacious red-​headed owner who makes the bar come alive.

I was just cleaning out my wallet and found my Lochness membership card from 2008, and I thought… why not review it?
I studied in Florence my sophomore year of college. I have many fond, albeit hazy, memories of Lochness. I also have some really terrible ones, including a police raid where I truly thought I was about to be deported. Lochness is hidden behind a nondescript door (that looks to have been renovated as of the most recent photos), and even though it is no secret, it somehow maintains the feel of a clandestine speakeasy. At the time when I frequented Lochness, it was mostly a hangout for American students, which sounds pretty lame (I’m sure it sounds even lamer to a Florentine). But the atmosphere was comfortable and nonpretentious, bar staff was friendly (rare in this city), drink special was unmatched (two for one until 11pm), and to top it all off, they had a foosball table. The perfect place to start off a night out, and also a great spot if you’re just not in the mood to be violated by random creepers at Twice or some other equally sleazy club.
I may or may not be banned from Lochness for life, but they are well deserving of five stars. And I am keeping my membership card in my wallet… just in case.