Strategically wedged in the center of El Gouna’s Abu Tig Marina, The Bartender has been luring and alluring Gounies and visitors alike since its opening in 2015.

Jordanian born bartender extraordinaire Ray Al-Ramahi, the creative force behind The Bartender, shares some of the reasons why his bar will never cease to impress.

1. Come one, come all! (A Bar for everyone)

Citing his 18 years experience bartending across the globe, Al-Ramahi explains that he wanted to create an experience that included all of the best features of any bar worldwide. A street bar, complete with small tables, and chairs, a flair bar, with experienced bartenders impressing everyone as their slosh their drinks into airborne works of art, to the cosy, quiet, nostalgic indoor bar set-up, taking you back a decade or two to a colonial bar complete with leather sofas and retro 1980s T.Vs.

2. Easy access

The Bartender is impossible to miss; its fluorescent signage, visible from miles away, the laughter, mixed with live music becomes an inescapable siren call for anyone looking to have a drink and a good time. It’s right under Captain’s Inn Hotel, so if you are a fan, book your room there!

3. Instagrammable

Every corner of The Bartender, whether inside or out, is fascinating: high-tables made of barrels with the Warhol-istic prints display music legends, empty Jack Daniels bottle lamps surround the marina-view couches while tractor tires make the tables. A severed red Mercedes, which once belonged to Ramahei, glows outside for friends to lounge in while the bartenders put on their flair show with The Bartender sign warmly radiating from above.

4. Bar Flair

Want to visit the theatre but too broke to buy a ticket? The Bartender’s flair show, performed continuously by the resident bartenders, who juggle bottles and shakers in the air as they create your drink will have you applauding and cawing for an encore.

5. Nostalgia

Step back in time as you enter the inside of The Bartender and be mesmerized by the vintage memorabilia, all personal pieces were chosen or belonging to Al-Ramahi, ranging from his grandmother’s television set, antique record players to original Jim Morrison posters showcased on the walls. All treasured pieces worthy of admiration and serve as a reminder of the past.

6. Customized drinks

Exhausted? Had a bad break-up? Need an aperitif before dinner at The Marina Steakhouse? Want to start your night with a refreshing drink? The Bartender will have a drink for you and for your mood. As an experienced mixologist, Al-Ramahi has trained his resident staff to prepare a drink that suits any guest’s needs: whether its a hug in a glass, a jazzy cocktail to get you energized for a night of partying or a drink to make you forget, you’ll find a drink made for you at The Bartender.

7. Live music

Al-Ramahi has invested his time and energy into his passion for music by selecting some of the best live musicians to entertain his guests. From jazz fusion to deep house to hip-hop and R’n’B, his music choices, coupled with the uplifting ambience, are bound to keep you entertained all night long.

8. Play

Want to do more than enjoy a cocktail? The Bartender offers its guests a complete billiards table and a baby-foot table to keep guests and Gounies on their toes busy as they sip their drinks.

9. No reservations needed

Yes, you read that right. No need to call ahead, no need to worry about seats. Just turn up, and there will be a spot for you and your friends at the spacious Bartender.

10. It’s all about love

The Bartender is truly Al-Ramahi’s labour of love, created out of his passion and made accessible for all guests, whether they are high-flying jet-setters, young party-going millennials, or bohemian nostalgia seekers, at The Bartender they can all come together for evenings of high-quality drinks, bustling conversations and bar flair entertainment.