Review: Sofi's Bar
 |
| An image of Sofi's Bar from the outside (Edinburgh & Us, 2017). |
So, it appears those pesky Vikings have
developed a softer side down the centuries. Sofi’s homely and welcoming bar is
located just off the shore on Henderson Street and is owned by Swedish couple
Anna and Mike Christopherson who moved to Edinburgh over a decade ago with a
firm view that they wanted to open a pub. In a recent interview Anna,
elaborated: “Many in Sweden don’t have pubs so people are so lonely – they sit
at home watching TV instead with nowhere to go. When we moved here we wanted
people to be able to come into a bar and feel welcome even if you have never
been in before.”
 |
| Sofi's won the Heart of the Community award the National Best Bar One awards for 2014. Anna Christopherson (centre) was pictured with bar managers. Image source. One of its sister restaurants Akva Bar won the 'Best Independent Pub' category 2017-2018. |
Open early
in the day and till late every evening this is a space that positively
implores you to pop in at any time of day. Candlelit circular tables are arranged
neatly around the bar. These quickly fill at the weekend but standing room only
doesn’t seem to bother their clientele. Many customers choose to snuggle up in
their Backroom which is festooned with cushioned arm chairs, games and books.
 |
| Sofi's backroom with candles, books and cake stand of Tunnock's teacakes and wafers. Image source. |
Friendliness of their bar staff is second to none. They are always keen to engage with
their customers beyond the perfunctory service sadly found in many establishments.
The music soundtrack in the background is well chosen and there is the bonus of
an open mic night every Sunday between 8.00pm and 10.00pm.
 |
| Cocktails, on a midweek offer at Sofi's. |
Interactive events are high on their agenda. Sofi’s
won the ‘Heart of the Community Award’ in the national Best Bar None Awards. It
recognised their endeavour to engage the community. These regular events
include dog days, clothes swapping meet-ups, knitting and film nights, which
are advertised on blackboards within as well as online on their Facebook page.
 |
| A whippet sleeping next to his owners at the dog-friendly pub. |
Six Bars in Edinburgh are now under the control
of these enterprising Nordic entrepreneurs. All, including Boda Bar on Leith
Walk and Akva in Fountainbridge, embrace the original concept forged many years
ago. Sofi’s is a splendid neighbourhood venue providing Leithers, and those
lucky enough to make the journey, a ‘Swedish Midsummer’ welcome through all the
seasons.
 |
| Drinks at Sofi's in Leith. |
Star Rating: ****
For more
information and to find out about their upcoming events, visit their website at
http://www.bodabar.com/sofis.
__________
Follow us on Facebook to hear more stories about people and events across the capital.
__________
The Roseleaf won 'Best Pub Grub' at the Edinburgh Restaurant Awards 2018. Read our review.
No comments:
Post a Comment