14th floor elevator
Hotel Torni reaches nearly 70 meters into the Helsinki skyline – illegal actually since the original proprietors never got planning permission for such a tall structure. All the same, the hotel has been around for 76 years now and no one seems keen to tear it down. The view from the 14th floor Ateljee Bar soars to heights of excellence unsurpassed even by the bricks and mortar. The cocktails aren’t half bad here either.
Stunning city panoramas dominate through the big windows while the fixtures and fittings include white walls, blond wood, and transparent La Marie chairs by Philippe Starck. The blue ceiling emphasizes the airiness of the space while the lack of tablecloths or curtains gives an interesting acoustic quality. Since it opened in 1951, the bar has also been a venue for art exhibitions that change every month.
The clientele tends to be younger than at Hotel Torni’s American Bar, the last stretch of steep and narrow stairs scaring off the elderly and infirm. The majority of customers are well-heeled women and well-informed tourists, many of whom have been attracted by the memorable terrace, open all year round.
Bad news for men? One of the best views you get up here is from the women’s toilet. This even featured in a recent Finnish movie as a setting for a torrid sex scene involving an amorous female drinker and a barman.
“We really have no plans for changes since the art exhibitions and the views are enough to keep the clients interested,” says smiling chief bartender Kaarina Sironen.
As for the cocktails, she adds: “Helsinki natives mainly drink mojitos, frozen margaritas, and strawberry margaritas. Tourists are attracted by the Aalto: cranberry vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and soda – all in a small vase designed by famous architect Alvar Aalto that you can take home with you.”
ateljee bar
Address Kalevankatu 5, 00100 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 4336 6340
Website www.ateljeebar.fi
Seats 50
Open Mon-Thu 14:00-02:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-02:00,Sun 14:00-01:00
Signature drink Aalto cocktail, mojitos
Restaurateur Sokos Hotel Torni
Restaurantmanager Rainer Vento
Chief bartender Kaarina Sironen
Bartender Lari Korhonen
Location in the heart of Helsinki,on the 14th floor of Hotel Torni.
“Rock solid choice for a drink. The beautiful views and moody staff ensure that there’s always something to talk about.” / “Being so high up gives the small space an eerie airiness. Goes for a viewing tower if you need to show Helsinki to non-natives. Pleasant place for women to meet up. The art exhibitions are usually interesting. Talking about the lookout ladies’ room is getting a bit old, though; yeah, it’s high up, but it’s still just a toilet.” / “The staff are skilled, but the reason to come here is the view.” / “A classic! A touch of melancholy á la Aki Kaurismäki.” / “Very sound knowledge of bartending.”
