La Trenulete is the kind of bar that awakens a certain childhood nostalgia in visitors and transports them into an imaginary world hidden deep within each of us. As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by a multitude of charming details that transform La Trenulete into a place we are sure not to forget.
La Trenulete is located on Bulevardul Unirii at number 69, just a few minutes from the center of Bucharest, in an area lacking such unconventional places.
We were pleasantly impressed by the toy trains that roam around carrying various drinks in their small wagons, the intelligent way they synchronize, the curved tracks they travel on, and many other small details that you will discover with pleasure and amazement if you visit this location.
We were very curious to find out the story behind this bar, so we asked Mihai Alexandru Craciun, the owner of La Trenulete, to answer a few questions about what prompted him to start such a business and what the challenges were related to the design.
What is the concept of La Trenulete? What percentage is it a bar and what percentage is it a playground?
La Trenulete is 100% a bar, but one that touches hidden springs within each of us. For some, toy trains, whether electric or not, were once favorite toys. Others are fascinated by trains, even if they no longer travel by them, because they are large, powerful, impressive and mean travel and vacation.
In any case, there is a "secret love" for trains hidden within each of us, whether they are big or small. We live in a hi-tech era where everything that is automatic and intelligent attracts and intrigues us, especially since it also serves us our favorite drink.
La Trenulete sits at the intersection of these feelings, offering a unique and fascinating experience.
How long did the renovation work take?
The renovation work took almost 4 months (October 2014 – January 2015), of which the actual fitting out of the space took about a month and a half. The most complex renovation work in our case was the installation of the toy trains.
What materials did you use?
For the interior design, we went for a combination of wood and metal, with the aim of creating an industrial depot atmosphere that is at the same time warm and welcoming. The bar counter and tables on which the toy trains circulate are made of OSB with metal supports.
Where did you buy the furniture and other decorative elements?
Most of the furniture and decorative elements were purchased from DIY and furniture stores in Bucharest (Hornbach, Dedeman, IKEA). The railway elements are from my personal collection, acquired over time.
Is the lighting system the creation of a particular architect?
The entire interior design, including the lighting system, belongs to us. We looked very hard to stay in the retro railway theme (the romantic period of train travel). So we searched until we found light fixtures that were similar to lanterns in old stations.
