Milan's Nottingham Forest bar named after an Antiguan spot

A cocktail bar named Nottingham Forest is located in Milan, Italy. It is a small bar that can accommodate around 30 guests. The menu features a wide selection of cocktails, spanning 37 pages. Despite its football-related name, the bar is not linked to the English football club Nottingham Forest. The bar's owner, Dario Comini, explains that the name is inspired by a bar in Antigua called Bar Monforte. During a family trip to Antigua in the 1970s, they were motivated to change the bar’s theme and name. The original Antiguan bar specialized in rum, which was not popular in Italy at the time. The reason behind the name Nottingham Forest for the Antiguan bar is unclear, as it was destroyed in a hurricane, and locals speculate it may have been named after the football club. Inside the Milan bar, the decor is vibrant and eclectic. There are numerous rum bottles, wooden shelves, fishing nets, and quirky items like a leopard-print lamp and a real skull. The cocktails are known for being very strong. Comini, who spent his youth in his family's bars, learned his mixology skills while traveling internationally. Interestingly, Comini had a brief stint as a personal bartender to former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who encouraged him to run the family bar. The bar has become popular with tourists, especially those from Nottingham and fans of the football club, often surprising them with its Caribbean theme. Comini appreciates the passion visitors show for Nottingham. He has received gifts such as team jerseys and letters from local organizations, feeling embraced by the city’s fans. Overall, the bar has developed a unique identity, combining its unexpected origins with its vibrant atmosphere.