An oasis of beer and whisky in the ‘burbs
A beer and whisky pub can thrive some distance from the city centre. All it takes is the best selection of Scotch single malts in Finland, lots of energy, and countless microbrews.
Pikkulintu (”Little Bird”) in the Helsinki suburb of Puotila is the creation of host Markku Ristevirta. He has been the soul of this welcoming establishment since it was set up in 2000. As soon as it opens in the afternoon, tables start to fill with happy chatter. Ristevirta often joins in, introducing the range of drinks available.
The beer selection features over 100 names, 16 of which are on tap. “The best beers in the world and the best-known beers in the world are not the same thing. I’d rather sell a microbrew than a big international label,” Ristevirta explains.
He focuses on unique Scandinavian beers and house beers specially-produced for the bar by different breweries. Currently, Pikkulintu also offers genuine real ale from the cask. Favorites in the past have included a stout called Siperia from the Koskipanimo brew-pub in Tampere, an American-style wheat beer, and – most loved of all – a lambic beer by the Cantillon brewery in Belgium.
Acting as an importer of rarities is one of Pikkulintu’s real strengths, also its range of Scotch. “The smoky whiskies of the Highlands especially seem to suit the Finnish palate,” says Ristevirta.
Pikkulintu has recently expanded and opened up a 20-seat room for private functions, meetings, and of course, whisky and beer tastings. The bar is entirely smoke-free although there are a few outdoors tables where smokers can still puff away.
beer restaurantpikkulintu
Address Klaavuntie 11, 00910 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 321 5040
Website www.pikkulintu.fi
Seats 55 + private room 20 + patio 25
Open Sun-Thu 15:00-24:00, Fri-Sat 15:00-02:00
Restarateur/ pub host Markku Ristevirta
Location About 200m from Puotila metro station at Puotila shopping mall.
“The combination of eastern Helsinki suburb and local pub don’t usually inspire any positive comments but Pikkulintu is an exception to the rule. Neat place, expert staff, incredible malt whisky selection, and imported brews make this pub in Puotila a local equivalent of Café Abseits in Bamberg, Zur Letzten Instanz in Berlin, or De Hopduvel in Gent – it’s worth taking the long way to visit Pikkulintu!” / “Despite its miniscule size, Pikkulintu is undoubtedly the best place for beer and whisky in Finland: wide, varied, changing selection, the host’s unbelievable amount of knowledge and obliging service, self-imports, special products, the bar’s energy, and on and on.” / “The clientele is as interesting as the place – there’s always someone to talk to.” / “A visit to Pikkulintu is always an adventure.” / “Their self-imports include microbrews from other Nordic countries and the States that otherwise wouldn’t be available. Finnish local products can also be found. The staff are excited about the stuff and it shows. They’re also very helpful in sharing their knowledge. Take some time to listen to the bartenders!”
