Behind Bars: Château Gütsch

7 Questions to Manuel Schlüssler from the Château Gütsch in Lucerne

Manuel Schlüssler and Marco Schneider may well be called lucky guy. The two do work not only in a beautifully furnished classic cocktail bar. No, this bar also finds itself in a real castle! Situated high above the rooftops of Lucerne in Switzerland, it was built in 1888 in the style of the “belle epoque” and inspired by Schloss Neuschwanstein. In 2014, the “Château Gütsch” opened its doors here and has quickly become one of the most popular boutique hotels in Switzerland. No wonder, because beside its romantic and luxurious interior, the house offers a fantastic view over the city and Lake Lucerne. And, of course, there’s excellent drinks in the “Gütsch Bar” the bar chef of which, Manuel Schlüssler, we had the opportunity to have a little chat with.

1. Manuel, your bar philosophy in one sentence?
Bearded bastards behind the bar.

2. What is the specialty of your bar?
We have a great whisk(e)y and gin selection and make classic cocktails, like the blue blazer (a flaming drink with scotch and hot water). In addition, we have the unique view over Lucerne, the lake and the Prealps.

3. What do you think makes a good bar and a good bar team?
Hospitality, a well-thought-out drink offer and bartenders with self-confidence, a lot of expertise and even more passion. And with a healthy dose of self-irony.

4. What is the biggest thing that ever broke in your bar?
Lots of hearts! For instance, the bar team’s hearts broke when the last bottle of Pappy van Winkle whiskey dropped on the floor …

5. Your nightcap tips?
Chartreuse Verte wih a Pilsener or a bourbon with an IPA.

6. Which song is the most popular one in your bar?
During the opening hours, it is probably “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck, and when we clean, it might be “Hurensohn” by K.I.Z.

7. Two very different musical styles. Last question: What was the most bizarre thing that you ever experienced in your bar?
That was when a deer stumbled out of the nearby forest into our bar through the open terrace door.

Well, maybe it just heard about the good drinks here. Thank you, Manuel!

Château Gütsch
Kanonenstraße 28
6003 Lucerne
Switzerland
www.chateau-guetsch.ch

www.chateau-guetsch.ch
www.facebook.com/guetschbar