Mad Souls & Spirits

Mad Souls & Spirits is one of the cocktail bars that helped make Borgo San Frediano Florence's favourite evening street. The bar is run by the bartenders Neri Fantechi and Julian Biondi, who describe it as a cocktail pub: a place with serious drinks but an informal, relaxed atmosphere, far from the hushed elegance of hotel bars. It sits near Piazza del Carmine, in the western Oltrarno, a neighbourhood of artisan workshops, small restaurants and wine bars.

The space is small, with two rooms of brick and blue-painted walls and simple wooden tables, plus outdoor tables on the street. The drinks are the focus. Many of the cocktails are original spins on classic recipes, often with unexpected flavour pairings and playful names, and daily specials are written up on a blackboard on the wall. If you are unsure what to order, tell the bartenders what spirits and flavours you like and let them suggest something; that is very much the spirit of the place. There is a good selection of spirits for sipping, and small snacks are served to go with the drinks.

The team also runs mixology classes and drink-focused events. Prices are in line with other craft cocktail bars in Florence. It opens in the evening and stays open late, and it gets busy at weekends, so arrive early for a seat or book ahead. Card payments are accepted.

It suits cocktail fans, couples and small groups of friends who want a lively but unpretentious night out. It is less suited to large groups, as space is tight. The bar is welcoming to visitors as well as locals, and many people combine it with dinner at one of the nearby trattorias.

Mad Souls & Spirits is on Borgo San Frediano, about five minutes' walk from Piazza Santo Spirito and the Brancacci Chapel at Santa Maria del Carmine, and around fifteen minutes from the Ponte Vecchio. Trattoria Sabatino and Porta San Frediano are a few minutes further west, and the Ponte alla Carraia leads back across the river to the centre. Taxis can be called to Piazza del Carmine for the trip home.