Oslo’s bar industry is rapidly conquering the global stage, while the Norwegian capital boasts some of the most prestigious bar venues in the world. And could you’ve ever imagined yourself enjoying a drink at the historical pharmacy?SVANEN cocktail bar is the place to do so.
Located in the former apothecary of 1896, this place will take you into the exciting world, where classic cocktails are prepared with respect to the past, as well as signature drinks boast the highest standards of mixology.
In 2024 SVANEN was ranked 72nd in the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Bars rating.
SVANEN can certainly be called one of the most beautiful and unique bars in Oslo. Its location is remarkable for its marble columns, wood paneling, original ceiling paintings. The Svaneapoteket pharmacy building on Oslo’s main street Karl Johans Gate is one of the best preserved untouched interiors of late 19th century establishments, so almost everything here has remained in its genuine form.
The first thing that catches your eye is the bar counter, which is slightly lower than the standard one, as historically there was a pharmacy counter, which has been left unchanged.
At the entrance you are greeted by an antique door handle in the form of a swan, as well as everywhere inside you can see a lot of swans symbolizing the name of the institution — SVANEN means “swan” in Norwegian.
The walls are decorated with original cabinets displaying vases for herbs and various potions, bottles with mixtures and tinctures, special scales and weights that pharmacists used to work with. The paneled ceiling is illustrated with clean-cut Greek gods of medicine.
Unlike the venue itself, the cocktails made here are absolutely not steeped in history, but instead form a collection of bright, forward-thinking drinks. Bar owner Yunus Yildiz and his team, led by Operations manager Karel Varga and Head bartender Carmine Di Marino, are known for their creativity in preparing cocktails using all sorts of interesting and rare ingredients, very well balanced with each other.
Making ourselves comfortable in one of the alcoves of the bar, reminiscent of old railroad cars, we immersed in the intimate and captivating atmosphere of this place.
Notable fact is that the menu is inspired by the ingredients marked in Latin on wooden apothecary boxes — fennel, juniper, gentian, mountain ash. And to give the cocktail an extra charm, all drinks are served in glasses of the bar’s own brand Svev.
Four cocktails of our selection, different in profile, but each leaving the most long lasting emotions.
One of the signature cocktails and also our favorite is the warming STOLEN APPLES — Eminente Rum 7YO, Bombay Saphirre Premier Cru, Gin, Green Apple Juice, Lapsang Souchong Tea, Ginger, Shiso (195 NOK)
The light one, perfect for an aperitif is Fruity-citrus RABARBARA SPRITZ — Ketel One Vodka, Rinomato L’ Aperitivo Deciso, Rhubarb Liquer, Martini Prosecco, Soda (190 NOK)
Another significant drink is spicy, fruity, double-layered CHAI PIE with hot foam on top which makes the temperature contrast while you drink it — Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Metaxa 12*, Pear Juice, Pear Cider, Chai Masala, Oat Milk Clarified, Coconut & Jasmin Hot Foam (195 NOK)
And of course, unsurpassed classic in a signature interpretation NEGRONI AMOROSO — Meir No. 1 Aquavit, Torres Alta Luz, Cocoa butter, Campari, House Rose Vermouth (195 NOK)
Also, if you fancy quality chocolate, there’s a great souvenir you can take with you to prolong your experience wherever you are: a result of creative cooperation between SVANEN and Norwegian company Fjåk Chocolate (the first producer of bean-to-bar chocolate in Norway) — a magnificent collection of three bestselling cocktails (AMARETTO SOUR, NEGRONI, IRISH COFFEE), reinterpreted in the form of chocolate bars.
A perfectly crafted menu, impeccable cocktails, a friendly staff and of course, first-class service in the most unique ambience are all aspects make you want to come back here again.
SVANEN Cocktail Bar
Address: Karl Johans Gate, 13, 1543, Oslo, Norway
Instagram: @svanen.oslo
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
