Milan’s iconic speakeasy has left its original location on Via Sottocorno to relocate to the lower level of Mag La Pusterla, another venue from the renowned Farmily Group, led by Flavio Angiolillo, Benji Cavagna, and their business partners. The revamped 1930 brings a fresh set of surprises, starting with a drink menu that seamlessly blends solids and liquids, a nod to the intersection of bar and kitchen creativity, all set to the backdrop of Milan’s most Instagrammable jukebox.
A New Chapter for 1930 Cocktail Bar
No more secrets. After months of whispers, hype, and subtle clues, the 1930 team has finally revealed their plans for the award-winning bar listed among The World’s 50 Best Bars. The original Via Sottocorno address, which has long been shrouded in mystery, saw its doors closed for the last time with a farewell market day attended by loyal patrons. The bar, which introduced Prohibition-era vibes and experimental drink lists to Milan, is now evolving naturally into a more contemporary expression.
Located in the basement of Mag La Pusterla, the new venue boasts a refined design where exposed brick walls meet marble finishes, rattan details, and curated artwork. True to its spirit of innovation, 1930 continues to challenge mixology norms with a menu that integrates culinary techniques into cocktails, creating unexpected flavor profiles.
Even the uniforms have been reimagined, with bespoke Loro Piana fabrics and earthy brick-colored jackets, marking a clear departure from the now-cliché waistcoats.
The Design of the New 1930
The new space consists of two vaulted rooms, accessible through a bell-ringing entry and a discreet dark door. The first room features a custom marble-topped bar with rattan accents, where guests can engage with bartenders while seated. Around the room, marble-finished tables and organized niches display books and bottles, surrounded by striking photographs.
The second room, a dedicated smoking lounge, alternates between armchairs, high tables, and coffee tables. The centerpiece? A vintage jukebox packed with old-school vinyl, handpicked by Angiolillo and Cavagna, that will rotate over time to keep the ambiance fresh.
Bar or Restaurant? A Surprising Drink List
The new drink list takes inspiration from a restaurant menu, divided into appetizers, mains, desserts, and an interlude of “unforgettables” crafted directly in the kitchen. This creative fusion is more than a stylistic choice; it reflects the nature of the cocktails themselves, which blend solids and liquids, seamlessly connecting the bar and culinary worlds.
Take Hummus, a low-alcohol cocktail inspired by the famous appetizer. It combines a smoked paprika spirit, olive oil distillate, and whiskey, finished with an orgeat made from chickpeas, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and tahini. Served in a bowl reminiscent of traditional Middle Eastern dining, it’s topped with paprika and olive oil for a truly immersive experience.
Cocktails Eaten With a Spoon
Among the standout creations is the Coffee Affogato, crafted in collaboration with a local artisan gelato maker. The drink features panettone-flavored gelato served in a coupe, topped with a warm, liquid component reminiscent of an Espresso Martini and a Daiquiri. The mix, kept low in alcohol, includes Jamaican rum, 1930’s proprietary pimento, and two products from Tripstillery: Tabacchino, a walnut and tobacco liqueur, and Corretto, a coffee-based spirit.
Another highlight is the Parmigiano Colada, a playful twist on the classic pineapple cocktail. It maintains its rum base but introduces pineapple through a white Sarawak pepper-infused cordial and a truffle oil blend. A parmesan foam adds savory complexity and texture, redefining the tropical classic.
How to Access the New 1930
Now that the address is no longer a secret, accessing 1930 might be easier—at least for the 193 loyal members holding their official membership cards, who can reserve seats in advance. For others, the journey begins at Mag La Pusterla, where patrons can relax upstairs while waiting for a spot to open.
As 2025 begins, so does a new era for 1930. No longer hiding in the shadows, the bar fully embraces its identity, inviting cocktail enthusiasts to experience its bold, reimagined take on mixology. Because let’s be honest—who can really keep a secret?
Images courtesy of Farmily Group
