At the International Mall of Suriname, cocktail lounge Mingle opened in Suriname’s capital last year. Mingle is a place where both classic and contemporary cocktails with a wide range of bites adorn the menu. First, people enjoy drinks and chatting here before pushing the interior aside for a carefree evening of dancing. Something the Surinamese are always up for.
Some time ago, Kroeze Interior was approached to build a project abroad. That felt like a gift, especially given Kroeze Interior’s international ambitions. After some back and forth e-mail contact, a number of online meetings and a quickly approved offer, Paul Kroeze, owner of Oldenzaal-based Kroeze Interior, was on the plane to Paramaribo for the first time seven days later. And the rest is history.
Mingle’s vision is to create a modern cocktail lounge with international allure and it has succeeded. Mingle has a distinctive character, making it a resounding success. The spacious cocktail bar is at the centre of the area in a horseshoe formation. The glass ceiling makes the bar look at least twice as big. In the centre of the room are a number of easily movable round and comfortable lounge sofas that are moved during the evening to make room for the dance floor. By using cheerful bright colours, lots of planting, and modern materials, Mingle gets the intended tropical atmosphere. This new world spot is full of neon lettering and gold accents. This, combined with marble and the view over Paramaribo’s skyline, makes Mingle a true hotspot.
Transformation
Paramaribo is at the beginning of a major transformation internationally. “There are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the hospitality experience in Suriname. The population here is growing up in an extremely hospitable culture, but there are no schools offering training in hospitality and catering. There is a substantial difference with the Netherlands, but despite the lack of hospitality training, Mingle’s staff is very competent and incredibly charming,” says Paul. Mingle is just the beginning of the Surinamese adventure for Kroeze. Due to the success of the new hotspot, a second location in Paramaribo is in full development. To be continued…
