“The best gastro pub on Earth”
Plevna is based in the old Finlayson Cotton Mills at the northern end of Tampere’s central square. “The traditional red-brick building is one of our most striking features, a place where you really feel the city’s history as an industrial center,” says chief executive officer Marika Tähtinen-Hakala. This was where the very first electric lightbulbs came to the Nordic counties for example, back in 1882 – only three years after Thomas Alva Edison introduced his invention to the world.
The most important reason behind Plevna’s success however is beer. For more than 13 years the products of its Koskipanimo brewery have been top-sellers at the bar; over 90 per cent of beers sold are brewed on the premises. A regular award-winner in Finnish beer competitions, Plevna’s latest achievement was at the 2007 Helsinki Beer Festival where its Severin I.P.A. was named beer of the year. “At first, it was going to be just a one-time brew but now we are keeping it in production,” promises Tähtinen-Hakala.
“Brewmaster Sam Viitaniemi is always creating new products – our clients have learned to expect something new from us all the time,” she says. “Our primary goal is to promote Finnish beer culture.”
Plevna has also developed a real reputation for seasonal beers and often a beverage that started out as seasonal becomes a mainstay. Since 1994, its beer range has grown to 15. “Wheat beer was initially brewed for the summer only but it became so popular that it’s now produced year-round. Bock and the 5 per cent semi-sweet Panimosima mead are also available throughout the year, though that wasn’t the original plan,” Tähtinen-Hakala explains.
As any traditional beer house, Plevna serves food and Tähtinen-Hakala says: “Our menu comes with recommended beers for each dish. The traditional sausage and meat dishes are counterbalanced by vegetarian options and other lighter fare. We also serve dishes cooked with beer.”
Plevna Brewery Pub and Restaurant
Address Itäinenkatu 8, 33210 Tampere
Tel. +358 3 260 1200
Website www.plevna.fi
Seats 400 + patio 65
Signature dish Plevna’s Stir-Fry
Signature drink Plevna’s Dark Lager
Open Mon 11:00-23:00, Tue-Thu 11:00-01:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00, Sun 12:00-23:00
Restaurateurs Marika Tähtinen-Hakala (CEO), Timo Tähtinen (chairman of the board), Sam Viitaniemi (brewmaster),
Restaurantmanager Arja Oinonen
Chef Anne Rissanen
Location Finlayson Cotton Mill,north end of Tampere city square.
“Excellent Czech-style brewery restaurant in an old factory hall, with a rough-and-ready interior. Top beverages from their house brewery.” / “Known for its sometimes daring beers and generous dishes. Guardian of traditions: they’ve brought back the Amiraali beer as well as Panimosima mead. Knowledgeable staff makes you comfortable. One of the pioneers of matching food and beer in Finland.” / “The best gastropub on Earth.” / “Their food and beer combinations are in a league of their own.” / “The most successful (micro)brewery in the country.” / “Friendly, smiley staff.”
