May 11, 2008
As Finland is non-smoking the quaint separate rooms are now not an issue. So sit where you please downstairs is larger, but seems quieter as there’s a lower ceiling and no window onto the street. Very relaxing ambiance, and a good selection of high quality beers. I think only one tick for me though last time I was there (so none next time, I presume). Takes part in occasional bottled beer festivals shared by the whole chain.

August 15, 2006 [ Updated April 24, 2008 ]
Friendly guy behind the counter when I have been here (owner?). Opens a bit late, but usually takes a while before people find their way here. Huge beerlist (didn’t count when I was there), and the bartender knew what he was selling. Short of a few items, but he could recommend similar beers very well (though I didn’t buy them), had too much unrated beers on the list. One of the places I quickly stop by these days to check for new things, otherwise I just take a beer and go. 4 8 11 - 13 brbr Later times I’ve visited this place the selection has gone worse, and the staff hasn’t known much about the beers they serve. They were serving spoit koff porter draught and I commented it to them that it’s sourish (hapokas in Finnish). 10 minutes later I got a bottle brought to me this is carbonated too (carbonation = hiilihappo). Angry looks when I said I didn’t complain on the carbonation, but the sourness (dirty tap?). Later the staff boss gave me a free koff porter bottle, since the crew complained that I was being a hard customer, but the staff boss tested himself and noted the same as me... A tip: educate your staff too...

August 3, 2005
The non-smokers William K. with a separate room for smokers in the back (ha!:). Quite good selection, if you’re not looking for rarities. The downside is that the place opens rediculously late (17:00). Close to Black Door and Angleterre.

April 10, 2005
This is close to toprange in Helsinki. Besides from a huge selection of beers, there’s even a selection of beerbooks for customers to read while enjoying the beer. (Nice in case of dull company!) The bar is strictly divided in two parts for smokers and nonsmokers. And the smokers even have their own little window to the bar, so nobody has to enter the other’s domain. Very charming feature is also the rugs on all the tables.