Strolling along the banks of the River Main on a balmy Frankfurt evening, one might suddenly feel as if they’ve stepped into another world – and that world is likely THE TINY CUP. Tucked away at Mainkai 4 and run by Sven Riebel, this small bar is far from ordinary. Amid the bustle of the metropolis, it offers guests a sanctuary of deceleration, a place where the art of drinking is redefined.

Sven Riebel is one of Germany’s most distinguished bartenders and was named Mixology Host of the Year in 2023. Encountering him, one quickly realizes: this is not someone who simply mixes drinks – he tells stories, composes aromas, and challenges traditions. Whether through his signature creations, timeless classics, or a minimalist highball, every element is crafted with intention, integrity, and style. With a refined nose, trained palate, and acute aesthetic sensibility, Riebel and his team curate their menu with the precision of a gallery exhibition.

Riebel’s world is closely intertwined with SEVEN SWANS, the fine dining restaurant housed in the same building. Spread over two floors and limited to just 16 guests per evening, it offers a radical regional take on vegan haute cuisine. What THE TINY CUP translates into a glass, SEVEN SWANS expresses on the plate: a reduction to essentials, artisanal perfection, and a palpable respect for nature and provenance.

Together, these two spaces form a gesamtkunstwerk unlike any other in Germany. It’s not about glamour or spectacle, but about stillness and substance. Sven Riebel is the connecting soul, a true host in the best sense: never interested in showmanship, always devoted to quality. Those who step into THE TINY CUP are not simply served, they are immersed in the magic of a drink, the energy of a place, and the quiet elegance of a man who has found his calling.

Sven Riebel received €40,000 through the Frankfurter Gründerfonds to invest in bar equipment and working capital.