On 2 June, Prague’s Forbína will welcome a prominent figure from the global bar scene. Slovak bartender Stanislav Vadrna, who serves as Nikka Brand Global Hospitality Advocate, will not only lead a guest shift, but will also present his unique KANNOKKAM concept—transforming the atmosphere of the evening even before the first drink is served.
KANNOKKAM is neither a workshop nor a traditional training session. It is a guided “social warm-up” designed to naturally put guests at ease and help them truly arrive in the space—both mentally and emotionally. Instead of the usual waiting at the bar or retreating into one’s own world, it offers a simple yet effective format that opens up communication and creates a shared energy in the room.
Guests are welcomed with a Nikka welcome drink, the space is complemented by soft music, and those who wish to participate go through short rounds of so-called eye-gazing in pairs. There is no need to speak and no pressure to perform—just a few minutes of mindful presence with another person. The pairs rotate, allowing for brief but intense connections with several people in the room. The entire format remains voluntary and is also open to those who prefer to observe.
It is precisely in this simplicity that its effect lies. The atmosphere can transform within minutes—people relax, make contact, and the space takes on a lightness and natural dynamism. The guest shift does not start “from scratch”, but builds on an already established mood that carries through the entire evening.
The concept also reflects a broader understanding of hospitality. For guests, it creates an experience that goes beyond mere consumption—a moment they can truly remember. For the bar, it means a stronger atmosphere and a deeper connection with visitors. And for the brand, it becomes part of an authentic experience, not just the serving of a drink.
Behind the project is Stanislav Vadrna, Global Hospitality Advocate for the Nikka brand and founder of the VADRNA Groove Vibrations platform. He channels over thirty years of industry experience into his own approach to hospitality, built on principles such as Ichigo Ichie, Muhinshu (“no guest, no host”), and working with mindfulness and non-verbal communication. Through his workshops and live events, he has long been developing people’s ability to perceive, their authenticity, and deeper connections between one another.
KANNOKKAM is therefore not merely a supporting programme for the evening, but a fully fledged part of it. The evening at Forbína thus promises more than a classic guest shift—it offers an experience that begins even before the first drink and redefines the very start of a night out at the bar.
