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Svanen

Oslo

Sophisticated spirits in vintage surrounds

Walking into Svanen feels like stepping back into 1896. Occupying the site of the former pharmacy, this Oslo institution has traded medicinal tinctures for sophisticated spirits without losing an ounce of its historical soul. When it came to transforming the building into a bar, industry veteran Yunus Yildiz carefully preserved the neo-Renaissance interior, from the intricate woodwork and marble counters to the original apothecary cabinets that still line its walls. Paired with the swathes of mahogany furniture, ornate tiling and Wilhelm Krogh-painted ceilings, it is certainly one of the most beautiful drinking dens in Northern Europe. Despite the grandeur of the setting complete with a soaring ceiling and gold-leaf details, the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed with the feeling of a high-end saloon.

Cocktails come divided into sections ranging from well-crafted classics to non-alcoholic concoctions and Svanen signatures, with the latter often nodding to the building's pharmaceutical roots. Cocktails tend to favour clean flavours and high-quality spirits rather than anything too experimental and inaccessible, often spotlighting Nordic ingredients like cloudberries or local herbs. Drinks like the Sage & Butter, made with bourbon, scotch, toasted barley-infused brown butter, sage and raisin syrup, artichoke liqueur and coriander bitters, are a masterclass in balancing rich and bold savoury notes with clarity. From its selection of classics, expect nothing but timeless renditions of tried-and-tested creations that feel appropriate for the vintage interiors, from penicillins to palomas.

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