Not that it needed one, but Helsinki’s inexorable rise through the hipster ranks has been given a boost with the arrival of the sleek Kitchen & Bar by Maannos in the city’s south-western ’hood of Punavuori.
Set in an agreeably historic pile, parts of which date back to 1898 and which is filled with media and creative offices, the industrial bones of the high-ceilinged space have been fleshed out by Laura Seppänen in a calm, thoughtful palette of sandy, clay hues. This is mixed with the sturdy lines of concrete tables, storage units made of metallic nets, Gubi ‘Beetle’ chairs, and tube lamps by Atelier Areti. Underlying the colour and material choices – including walls of chalk clay plaster and timber sourced from the farm of one of the owners – is a subtle homage to Finland’s natural landscapes.
The food, meanwhile, is based on a ‘farm to table’ philosophy, co-owner and chef Elmo Luoma-aho casting locally sourced, seasonal vegetables in the starring role, with meat in walk-in parts; though, with the city currently bathing in extravagant sunshine, there’s every reason to savour every bite of the rainbow trout, grilled whole and served with pickled carrots, barley and a light buttermilk sauce. §
