Things to do in Gothenburg: where to stay, eat, drink and shop

Sweden’s second city has a first class hotel with fantastic restaurants and shops to boot. Amira Hashish checks into Gothenburg for our Design Destination series...
Roaring Twenties: a decadent theme runs throughout Hotel Pigalle
Amira Hashish24 March 2016

Brimming with Scandi-style, Gothenburg is a great retreat for a weekend break. Here is a guide to the must visit venues...

STAY

Hote Pigalle

Hotel Pigalle is a must for a stylish weekend escape. The restaurant, bars and rooms in this Swedish gem embrace a decadent lifestyle concept, transporting guests back to the Roaring Twenties.

The brainchild of young and dynamic hospitality experts ESS Group, the boutique hotel is housed in a historic Palace from the 1700s. The moment guests arrive they are thrust into a sumptuous world where the check in desk doubles as buzzing bar Amuse.

“Our goal is to create a unique experience beyond the usual settings. That means a lot of time, money and commitment went into the design, material and feeling but the biggest focus has been on the service team. Luxury today is for many visitors a heightened personal service rather than the usual gold-plated faucets. Within this context the staff become the most important ingredient,” says CEO Patrick Olsson.

He has done a fine job of sourcing a passionate team who are an integral part of the property. From the knowledgeable restaurant and bar staff to the friendly concierge, the warmest of welcomes makes the stay extra special.

Design firm Spik Studios is behind the look, inspired by the Paris of the early 1900s. Think floral wallpaper, cosy cushions, velvet curtains and retro prints in the guest rooms with small but sweet green marble bathrooms. The little details are taken into consideration with each room reflecting its personality through antiques and cute vintage items. The theme runs throughout the hotel with jazz music playing in the lobbies and a lift that giggles when it reaches its destination.

The top floor Atelier restaurant and bar is just the spot for dinner or a delicious Saturday brunch. There is a constantly changing menu with around 10 options focused on the ingredients. The flavours follow the seasons and the moods of the chefs. Super helpful head waiter Stephanie and cocktail guru Julio will arrange great accompaniments.

Ideally located in the heart of the city and with rates starting from £102, this is an absolute joy, hotelpigalle.se.

EAT & DRINK

Koka

Head to Koka for a Michelin star dinner in very cool surroundings. Run by local restaurateur Björn Person with experienced manager Maria at the helm, this is a slick and smooth operation. Johan Olsson from Bornstein Lyckefors Architects has created a modern dining room which is functional but beautiful. Smooth wooden walls and floors are offset with a detailed floral ceiling. Nifty table lamps slide up and down to adjust the lighting and mood while leather table tops are a nice touch.

The modern cuisine is inspired by the Swedish west coast; ingredients are always freshly sourced so the menu is not revealed until diners are presented with an envelope on arrival containing the three, five or seven course options. If the scallop, Portobello mushroom or cloudberry is on the list you are in for a treat. Wine pairings have also been carefully considered.

Starting from a reasonably priced £35 for three courses, this is excellent value for money. Finish the evening in the more casual surroundings of Björns Bar which is rather conveniently located in the basement, restaurangkoka.se.

Stranger

Stranger describes itself as a Spirit Bureau. A lovely find, this underground bar has a speakeasy vibe and an inventive drinks list. The design is by one of the three owners, Andreas Harrysson, who worked with local craftsmen to create a quirky look filled with industrial lighting, copper taps and leather stools.

In keeping with the theme, it can be tricky to find (buzz the bulldog button on the door and stroll downstairs) but that is all part of the fun, strangergbg.com.

Gothenburg - in pictures

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SHOP

Food, flowers, fashion, art and furniture – a Scandi fan’s dream.

Fashion, gadgets and interiors come together in this hipster hub.

Jeans and other staples born out of Gothenburg.

A coffee lover’s dream with a roastery on site – tuck into the Fika then take a bag of beans home.

Beautifully presented homeware, merging old and new finds.

Follow Amira Hashish on Twitter @amiranews and Instagram @thedesigneditor.

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