Olutravintola Konttori is celebrating – 25 years of formal yet polite service

– It will be 25 years since the restaurant opened on Sunday, the 8th of December, but we have planned something special for the whole week. However, our focus will be on celebrating by passionately serving our customers, says Antti Hannula, manager of Olutravintola Konttori.

A quarter of a century is a long time in the restaurant business and a noteworthy achievement. The Konttori team approaches this with their usual modest pride.

– We have succeeded in creating a concept that appeals to both beer connoisseurs seeking out unique brews and other customers who value a pleasant atmosphere and good service. I would say that the secret to our success lies in the people on both sides of the counter – our fantastic customers and our dedicated, skilled staff deserve all the credit they are due, Hannula summarises.

Tasting opens the door to the world of beer

Konttori is known for the variety of the restaurant’s changing beer selection: the restaurant serves around 1,500 different types of beer each year. Konttori is a mecca for beer aficionados, but it also serves casual visitors with the same dedication.

– As far as I know, our selection of beers is the largest in Finland, and as it also includes much less frequently available small batches and specialty products, we have developed a good relationship with domestic and foreign breweries and importers over the years. Our staff is passionate about beer and is constantly developing their expertise, as our goal is to maintain our position as the brightest star in the Finnish - even Nordic  - beer restaurant scene, Hannula states.

Konttori's staff shares their beer expertise by organising guided tasting sessions that, in addition to beer, offer fun shared moments for groups of friends or workmates, for example. 

– The beauty of beer lies in its almost limitless world of flavours, and during tastings you can learn about the many aspects of the beverage guided by our knowledgeable staff. I dare to promise that both beer buffs and those who normally prefer other drinks will be positively surprised at a tasting, says Hannula.

Holding on to traditions without overlooking the need for renewal

The recent corona period made it clear that restaurants need to create something new to survive. People at Konttori are also well aware of this.

– Renewals are an ongoing process, such as making small surface renovations and replacing taps, for example. During the past autumn, we have been renovating the adjacent business premises and as a result we can serve our customers in larger facilities than before, Hannula says.

– We are also constantly developing our services. Among other things, we also organise tastings at customers' premises or can set up a pop-up beer bar known as Etäkonttori with our trademark, that is, formal yet polite service, Hannula continues.