Artem Peruk is co-owner of El Copitas bar in St Petersburg, Russia. In five years since opening, El Copitas have come through unimaginable adversity to now be sitting at #27 on the World’s 50 Best list, as well as nominated for Best International Bar Team at this year’s Spirited Awards.

Artem shares what led to them door-knocking nearby bars in an attempt to borrow a single chair from each so that they could open, and how they were forced to start selling the mezcal that was given to them as opening gifts, often back to the friends who gave it to them.

The fact they have made it to where they are today is the result of an incredible amount of resilience, energy and what can only be described as ‘Russian’ innovation.