A new underground pub will soon be opening just around the corner from the Universitate Metro and across the street from Bucharest’s historic old town.
Lloyd’s Pub is co-owned by cousins Mugur Prundea and DJ Alex Craciun, as well as Mugur’s co-worker Florian Barac. Florian brings to the table a lengthy history of managerial experience. Alex Craciun is the morning DJ on Radio 7’s 7-10am program. The trio hopes to net a wide ranging scene of pub lovers both young and old attracted by a warm underground scene, affordable drinks, and themed evenings with live events throughout the week.
Lloyd’s Pub is located in the cellar of 16 Strada Coltei, right next to the monumental Coltea Hospital. Anticipating a grand opening at the end of February or beginning of March, the bar’s interior brick arcade cellar is already finished, complete with dim mood lighting and decor which offers a glimpse into the bar’s namesake.
Lloyd’s co-founders Alex Craciun and Mugur Prundea
Mugur and Florian have both worked in the insurance industry for decades, and the name Lloyd, pulled from the centuries-old insurance powerhouse Lloyd’s of London, speaks to the very heart of their business backgrounds and relates to communal drinking in unexpected ways.
“Mr. Lloyd represented the beginning of insurance as we know it, and it all started in an environment like this one” says Mugur. Edward Lloyd ran a coffeehouse tavern in the 17th century that saw the coming and going of ship captains and crew heading in every direction.
“He knew all the ship captains and owners and would tell these guys before they’d head off ‘Hey I’ll subscribe two pennies to your ship and supplies. And then others in the pub would say ‘I’ll be the underwriter’ and add their signatures. These were some of the first instances of insurance policies in the modern era.”
In recognition of these nearly four centuries of insurance history in Europe, Mugur plans to add a collection of old framed insurance policies along the brick walled interior.
As of now, Mugur says that Lloyd’s Pub will feature a weekly events schedule, with theater performances on the cellar’s central stage Sunday and Monday evenings designed to highlight the works of up and coming performers in Romania. Tuesday evenings will see live jazz, while Wednesdays will perk up with stand up comedy and karaoke. Thursday nights will feature Romanian folk music, including some well known names already lined up, such as Eugen Avram, Mircea Bodolan, and Marius Batu.
Fridays and Saturdays will see Lloyd’s open late for clubbing nights, with drink discounts for students!
With a great venue, owners who are close to the artistic and bohemian pulse underlying the city of Bucharest, and a packed schedule of entertainment and relaxation, Lloyd’s Pub could very well be the hottest new spot in the capital. Come March 1st, we’ll see you there.
