There’s a new kid in town, or rather at Tøyen. Norð & Natt is a combined coffee shop and cocktail bar. I brought my good friend Erik Valebrokk to check it out, knowing that he appreciates the good things in life as much as myself. We both work at Hasle, so this was just a few subway stops away. Exiting the station, I asked Erik if he knew where the place was, but before he could answer the entrance to Norð & Natt revealed itself to the right.
Note: This restaurant has closed permanently.
The first person we spotted as we entered the place was Jesper Høst. That is always a good sign! His company, Behind Bars Consulting, has helped develop and build some of the best looking bars in Oslo, like Piscoteket and Himkok. The details in the beer tap system as shown below is just one example. The bars stools is another one – big blocks of wood, roughly cut and with a metal foot rester. Comfy and very cool looking.
This is the first of the Norð cafés to add cocktails to their menu. One of the owners explained to us how it all started many years ago with the restaurant Mat & Mer at Bjølsen, which they later sold. They went on to open a bakery at Grünerløkka, which also roasted coffee. Today they run a separate coffee roastery at Tveita, two bakeries, and three Norð coffee bars. The original Norð is located in Nygata in the city center, but the second location is quite remarkable. In fact, it is right outside the building where Erik and I work at Hasle, which really is in the middle of nowhere for a café. We cross our fingers that enough people visit while the area is still a construction zone.
Tøyen is not flooded with great places, but lately, a lot has started to happen here. Postkontoret and Tøyengata Bodega are trying at least. One can discuss how well they succeed, but Norð is easily the best addition I’ve seen here so far. Both Erik and I was very happy with the drinks we got served! Erik has written a post about it himself as well. Check it out!
Jesper was being a perfect host as always and offered to give us the grand tour of the place. We walked from the café and coffee area into the bar and cocktail department. Further on, we entered the cocktail lounge where the light and mood changes. In the end, we passed through a massive steel and glass door into an area under construction still. Jesper told us they are planning to open a restaurant here in November. I guess we will have to return.
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