Ever notice how the things we can’t have often become the things we want most? 🤔
2 weeks ago, I was in Lisbon with my hubby.
We discovered that one of the top 50 bars in the world was just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. It’s called the Red Frog Speakeasy, currently ranked 40th.
The twist? It’s hidden within another bar.
If you know, you know.
We strolled up to the main bar, a bit confused by the lack of any mention of the Red Frog.
Hubby: “Is this the Red Frog?”
Hostess: “Do you have an appointment?” she replied.
Hubby: “Uh, no - do you still have space?”
Hostess: “No, but you can drink in our main bar.”
Reluctantly, we agreed. Hubby was miffed, convinced we were turned away for being too old, too un-cool, not nearly trendy enough. I was a bit disappointed but unfazed, rejection is part of working for yourself isn't it?
We settled in for an expensive cocktail in a dimly lit room where we practically needed a flashlight to read the menu. As we were sipping our overpriced drinks, a server approached us.
“Two seats have just opened up in the Red Frog - would you like them?”
OMG - it felt like winning the lottery.
In unison: “Yes, please!”
We were told to finish our cocktails, and then we’d be shown into the Red Frog. As we were led out and up the stairs, the server stopped halfway, knocked on the wall, and a secret door in a tiled panel swung open.
Inside, there were about eight tables, even darker than the main bar. Mr. D was grinning, saying, “I don’t even need another cocktail; I just wanted to get in.”
Of course, we ordered another round;
We didn’t need them.
I rarely drink cocktails.
But.... we were caught up in paying for something simply because we couldn’t have it at first.
We’ve all been there, right?
Whether it’s forbidden love, a cake on a diet, true perfection, watching a movie before its release, or sneaking into an event uninvited - it’s all the same thing.
We want what we can’t have. It’s human nature.
And the Red Frog has mastered the art of turning this desire into a brilliant marketing strategy.
When I read more about the bar afterwards, it turns out that if you don’t have a reservation, you simply don’t get in - no matter how pretty, famous, thin, or young you are.
That’s their unique selling point 💡
🐸 They sell overpriced cocktails - because they can.
🐸 You’re allowed to stay for 90 minutes, no more.
They’ve created desire, scarcity, intrigue, and a feel-good factor you didn’t even know you wanted until you got in there.
Genius 🤓
So, how do you get people to buy twice because the first thing wasn’t as good as the second without it compromising your first set of work?
It’s really got me thinking, and I admire their concept.
But most importantly…
We got into that bl 👀 dy bar ! 🐸🛑
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Head of Partnerships at Reposite | WSET II Award in Wines
3moAll those spaces are stunning!