We finally found it after reading reviews on here. Frontage had altered so couldn't initially see name. It is oldy worldy, with a new covered, glass fronted terrace. Tables by bar just for having drinks and then more tables, sofas on a higher level for...food and drinks. Initially missed the menu as it looks like a newspaper! Service was good, choice of beers on menu plus a dozen more written above the bar. These need to be checked out as they alter. Staff were happy to make recommendations about food and beer.
You can pay and taste 5 beers, blind. They arrive in black glasses so you cannot see the colour.
We visited several times and recommended to other friends who were also there for the Ice Hockey. We went at different times of the day and food was always hot and plentiful.
There were reservation notices on some tables, but the same as here. They say this table is booked for a certain time and you can sit at it as long as you vacate before the time booked.
We were never rushed or made to feel unwelcome. Staff were courteous, their English was good and they corrected our attempt at Finnish.
The menu gave a good selection, good portion size and piping hot. My favourite was the meatballs in a creamy gravy sauce and mashed potato. My husbands was the local black pudding (served hot as a sausage) with mashed potato. The mashed potato was so creamy it was delicious. All mains came with grated beetroot and the Finnish version of sauerkraut.
They sell their beer in bottles to take home and it is 2 euros cheaper than the shops. They had brewed a special lager, Hoki, for the Ice Hockey World Championships plus promotional material such as pucks and hockey shirts. All the staff wore the hockey shirts.
A wonderful find.
I would definitely recommend a visit here.More