Põhjala Factory: a bohemian district in northern Tallinn
Text Susanna Poikela Photos Susanna Poikela, Senya Taylor @senya.photos, Tuletorn
The historic factory buildings in the former Põhjala Factory area of in northern Tallinn are now home to a variety of creative entrepreneurs. This lively space features restaurants, bars, a coffee roastery and bakery, design shops, and studios of local designers and artists. The old rubber soap factory’s halls and courtyards also regularly host a range of city events and festivals.
Restaurants and Street Food at Põhjala Factory
Põhjala Factory boasts several excellent dining options, including the Michelin-rated Barbarea and Kopli Köök. Barbarea also houses a bakery, Karjase Sai, which shares ownership with the restaurant. The bakery is open during the day, while the restaurant Barbarea operates in the evening. During the summer, both venues offer a spacious and cosy terrace where you can enjoy coffee, pastries, or Michelin-quality dishes.
Adjacent to Karjase Sai and Barbarea is Kokomo Coffee Roasters, where you can purchase coffee accessories, local honey, chocolate, and ice cream. The roastery also features a small outdoor terrace. For smoothie enthusiasts, there is Kompott, a smoothie café located within the Babyluv shop.
The street food outlet Vahur, situated in the courtyard of Kopli Köök, serves contemporary Estonian cuisine with international influences. The street restaurant also has a terrace for dining. The Tacocat food truck, offering Mexican fare, is based in the courtyard of Ankru 10, and its dishes can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace of the Tuletorn Brewery, often accompanied by the brewery’s beers.
The Põhjala Factory comes alive when Botik, the bar next to Kopli Köök, opens its doors. The bar typically hosts weekend events, drawing crowds of music and party enthusiasts. Its indoor space and multi-storey outdoor garden, with its jungle-like atmosphere, offer a unique experience.
A Bookshop and Café Under One Roof
Põhjala REaD, Tallinn’s most uniquely decorated bookshop and antiquarian bookshop, opened in Ankrusaal (10 Ankru Street) in May this year. Kiosk nr 3, along with other kiosks Kiosk nr 1 and Kiosk nr 2 located in Shnelli Park and the Old Town, are also part of the blossoming chain. The bookshop’s comfortable armchairs, combined with the aroma of old books and freshly brewed coffee, provide a perfect setting for relaxation. The café also includes a remote working area.
Põhjala Aed: An Urban Gardener’s Paradise
Põhjala’s charming community garden is open to all. In good weather, visitors can relax in hammocks, sunbathe on straw bales, feed chickens, or admire the greenhouse’s harvest. It is important, however, to respect the harvest and leave it for the owners of the planting beds.
To learn more about this and similar topicsCafes in Tallinn Design Boutiques in Tallinn Kopli District Põhjala Factory Restaurants in Tallinn Street Food in Tallinn Urban Gardening
