Yousef Harati, co-owner of Behind the Green Door, speaks with Time Out about the past, present and future of Beirut nightlife.

What kind of crowd does Behind the Green Door draw?
Everybody. But it’s more cosmopolitan than a typical Lebanese place. The idea was to have at the same booth a bunch of musicians and hipsters, sitting close by bankers and lawyers. We wanted to force people to mingle, to break out of their bubble. We want to create a place where people can let loose a bit.

What direction is Beirut’s nightlife going in?
I think the future of nightlife is going to be in events, whether that be concerts, DJs, joint ventures between promoters or small gatherings. Back in time, people went out every night. Now people are much more conscious about their money, about what they’re spending. People aren’t going out as much. They’ll really plan which nights they go out. That’s the future: I’m giving it to you right now.

Is there a trick to getting past your doorman?
Don’t say you know me, because everybody does. Just be patient. Though we ask him not to be, the doorman is cool.