In a neighbourhood constantly balancing between its authentic character and the pressures of tourism, Scamp Athens opened its doors at the start of summer and has already become one of the city’s most distinctive new bars. Dark yet welcoming, industrial yet warm, with music and cocktails that invite you to return again and again.
Koukaki has reinvented itself more than once in recent years. At times it felt like the perfect escape for those living in the city centre but longing to be just outside it; at others, like a map of endless Airbnbs and rolling suitcases. Yet it has always remained a true neighbourhood — with its own rhythm, its own sense of community, and corners full of charm. In one of those corners, Scamp has breathed new life into a space that once felt abandoned.
The name stayed the same. Everything else changed. The three friends behind the bar — Sotiris, Konstantinos, and Francesco — saw it as an opportunity. They didn’t want to create something showy; they wanted a place they themselves would enjoy, a bar they could call their own. And in that, they’ve succeeded.
The dark tones on the walls and the subdued lighting don’t distance you — on the contrary, they draw your attention to the people. The space has a streetwise, minimal character that fits both the area and, above all, the personality of the bar itself. I visited in the early evening for a drink, but as the sun went down, Scamp grew more inviting — so I ordered another.
And since we’ve mentioned cocktails, they deserve a chapter of their own. The menu is curated by Nikos Psarianos, Lab Manager at Baba au Rum. The Spicy Sip (gin, cucumber, basil, jalapeño) strikes a perfect balance between freshness and heat, while the Scamp Daiquiri offers a playful twist on the classic, infused with apple and pear. Perhaps the most atmospheric of all is their take on the Paloma — a blend of tequila and mezcal with beetroot and black cardamom. It’s a smoky, earthy experience with a spicy finish that lingers.
In the background, the music works exactly as it should: understated yet intentional, with electronic undertones and carefully selected hip-hop and house sets from guest DJs. Music is never just background noise here — it’s the subtle backdrop that frames the room as you stand with your cocktail, taking in the crowd around you.
I’d often wondered why a true, standalone bar could never seem to last in Koukaki. No matter the concept or the idea, nothing quite managed to succeed or endure. It was as if the neighbourhood was under some sort of curse — one that Scamp has finally managed to break, attracting not only locals but people from across Athens.
Perhaps the problem was never the concept or the location. After all, what truly defines a bar are its atmosphere and its people — and Scamp belongs to that rare category of places that build their audience night after night. It’s one of those bars that feels like a favourite from the very first visit.
Info: Orlof 1 & Veikou, Koukaki | Tel. +30 210 9216616
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