Just before Christmas, the annual Bartender’s Choice Awards took place, with awards handed out in several categories. Stockholm institution Tjoget ran away with both the best bar award and the people’s choice awards, to the surprise of no-one. And among a string of fantastic barmen and women nominated as the best bartender, Alex Skärlén, of Bar Hommage on Södermalm, got to take the prize home. To celebrate the ever-improving bar scene in Stockholm, we rounded up some of the best bartenders we know and asked them a few well-worded questions. To get to know them, their workplaces and their preferences a bit better, read on.

Andreas Bergman, Tjoget & Paradiso

Tell me about your bar.
Which one… I own both Tjoget and Paradiso.

What do you usually order when visiting another bar?
Champagne from the 90s, Fernet and tap water. A lot of tap water.

Any upcoming bar trends on the horizon?
“Fashions fade, style is eternal” – YSL. Good service, good cocktails and the best atmosphere is everything. It’s always been that way and will continue being that way.

Ludde Grenmo, Tjoget, Stockholm

Tell me about your bar.
Tjoget is a young institution, providing high quality and service. Our staff handle not only cocktails but also food, coffee, wine and service.

What do you usually order when visiting another bar?
Something from their menu or a beer and a shot. If I’m with a larger group, it would be a bunch of Negronis and a couple of shots.

Any upcoming bar trends on the horizon?
Service!

Hedda Bruce, Tjoget, Stockholm

Tell me about your bar.
It’s myself and four very competent and good guys working the bar at Tjoget. We work to deliver good service and to make every guest feel welcome and at home, paired with really good cocktails that always stick to the very same standard.

What do you usually order when visiting another bar?
Something with liquor. Either from the bar’s menu or a classic.

Any upcoming bar trends on the horizon?
To continue thinking about the service, to deliver what the guest really wants and not what you as a bartender would want to have in that glass. Plus, more focus on the environment of course. Trends come and go, but these things I hope stay forever.

Tjoget, Hornsbruksgatan 24

Photo: Courtesy Of Andreas Bergman