Andrej Škufca is one of Slovenia's most accomplished and well-known professional dancers. He's also an owner of Makalonca, one of Ljubljana's most popular bars. We recently sat down with him to discuss his career, his travels and how he came to be involved in the nightlife business.
How did you decide to get into the nightlife business?I didn't. It was more like an opportunity that came along. But it was always my dream though, to have a bar or a place of my own at some point. Makalonca was the perfect choice. Besides, it is not really a nightlife business, it is an evening lounge and cocktail bar.
How has your career as a dancer helped you as an owner?It doesn’t help directly obviously, since there is no direct connection between the two, but my name has helped a great deal in advertising Makaklonca and making it noticeable again.
What does Makalonca mean?
Makakonca is a name of a girl from an old Slovenian fairytale which was written by a Slovenian author and the book itself was arranged and decorated by graphics from the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, who also happens to be the creator of the space where the bar Makaklonca is located.
Did the fact that Hribarjevo Nabrežje is a protected work by revered Slovene architect Plečnik pose any problems during you renovations of the premises?Well there were limitations of course but we have taken the space as it is and tried to work with it rather than against it. It has a beautiful architecture so there really was no need to change it.
What kind of atmosphere do you aim to promote at Makalonca?Maklonca is generating a very cosy and warm atmosphere and the general feel is very romantic. We would like it to be a place where people would feel relaxed and at ease.
Are there any house specialities?
Our speciality is coffee 'Makaklonca' with a special ingredient only known to our staff. And I have to mention that we have a simply fantastic ice cream…
Do you host any kind of special events?
In the summer time we host life music performances during weekends and DJ nights through out the year. And we join in when there are some festivals in the centre of Ljubljana, such the annual wine festival or various dance festivals…
Makalonca has one of the more unique locations of any café or bar in the city. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of this?When seated in Makalonca one has the most unique view of the old part of Ljubljana and the castle. It is located right by the river Ljubljanica and in the summer time especially, it can almost feel like being at the sea side. The location is somewhat secluded and private so, to many of people it's just romantic and original and to some of them simply not connected enough to the surroundings.
Aside from it's location, what sets Makalonca apart from Ljubljana's other cafés and bars?This is difficult to say straight forward but I can say that we are trying to have top professional service from our staff and to have the highest possible level of quality of every thing that’s on the menu. The place was created and renovated by heart, vision and perfectionism and I hope it radiates that.
You travel all over the world on a regular basis, is it fair to say that Makalonca has an international vibe to it? Or is it unmistakeably Slovene?It is pure Slovene by origins but has an international vibe and energy. And it is not because of my travels but because of the travels of people coming to Slovenia…
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