Bartender, author, editor, and Umeå resident Emil Åreng has run several acclaimed bars and mixed cocktails around the world. Although he wasn't born and raised in Umeå, he has become a well-known figure and the face of the city's nightlife. “In Umeå, we have everything close by! From hiking in the woods to cultural experiences and genuinely good restaurants,” says Emil.
Emil Åreng’s great passion for mixing drinks and experimenting with flavors struck him like a bolt from the blue during his first night behind the bar. From that moment on, he was hooked, and according to Emil, he has the most fun job in the world. During his 15 years in Umeå, he has started and managed several well-known bars, published the book Salongs i Norrland, and become somewhat of an expert on Umeå's gastronomic scene. In 2014, he co-founded the legendary Open/Closed, putting Umeå on the European map when the bar was named one of the best in Europe for four consecutive years. Not only that, but Emil has also been awarded the title of Scandinavia's best bartender.
Emil Åreng has managed several well-known bars and has become somewhat of an expert on Umeå's gastronomic offerings. Photo: Alexander Ekholm, Visit Umeå.
Today, Emil runs Facit Bar in central Umeå, which is the first bar in the world to use 100% Swedish ingredients.
- My core philosophy is that it should be sustainable. I see no point in mixing a Mojito with Caribbean rum in the middle of winter. We want our guests to experience Swedish spirits and local flavors like lingonberries, rhubarb, spruce, and apples. We work with geographical flavor themes where each region in Sweden is represented,” Emil explains.
If the bartender himself has to choose a favorite cocktail, it would be a Swedish Old Fashioned made with the bar’s own rye whiskey. The menu at Facit Bar changes every two months, making it especially exciting to enjoy cocktails with Emil and his colleagues. In addition to visiting Facit Bar, which reopens in the first week of August after a summer break, Emil has several recommendations for restaurants and bars that are well worth a visit in Umeå.
Umeå offers many wonderful restaurants and delicious food, such as the restaurant Harlequin, which Emil recommends.
Lunch
– Have lunch at Rökstugan BBQ. It’s genuine and really good! You get a taste of Texas with Northern humility. Another great place for lunch is Harlequin. If I had to choose one dish to eat for the rest of my life, it would be their tartare; it’s amazing! Harlequin also has a relaxed wine bar and a nice outdoor seating area. If you’re interested in wine and champagne, a visit there is a must. If you prefer brunch, you should go to Guilty Pleasure Café, according to Emil.
Dinner
Despite Umeå's northern location, the city offers a wide range of restaurants. Enjoying high-quality food amid the buzz of people on dark, cozy autumn evenings is an experience in itself.
– Bodegan has delicious and classic cocktails! Enjoy all the snacks and drink abundant wines at one of the city's best restaurants with fantastic service, Emil recommends.
Rex features a nightclub and restaurant spread over three floors. Photo: Philip Avesand, Visit Umeå.
For those who enjoy clubbing and feeling the pulse of the city, there are several options to choose from.
– If you want to hang out with a lot of people, you should go to Rex on the weekends. They have three floors with a club, several restaurants, and often great DJs, says Emil.
Another hot tip for anyone wanting to dance into the early hours is Cinco – a nightclub and restaurant inspired by South America. Here, you can enjoy an entire evening with dinner, drinks, live music, and dancing.
Umeå is a five-minute city, meaning you are essentially just five minutes away from most places. Photo: STP Media, Visit Umeå.
“UMEÅ HAS EVERYTHING – WITHIN A VERY SHORT DISTANCE”
It's hard to miss how much Emil enjoys living in Umeå and considers it the ultimate city.
– It may sound cliché, but in Umeå, we have everything within a very short distance. It's a five-minute city where you're basically five minutes away from beautiful nature, hiking in the woods, cultural experiences, and genuinely good restaurants. I don't know any other city of the same size as Umeå that has such a great and diverse offering. Plus, the people here are generally very friendly, open, and enthusiastic about life. The vibe is great, Emil believes.
In Umeå, there is a wide range of options for art enthusiasts, including the Bildmuseet and the Sculpture Park. Photo: Philip Avesand, Visit Umeå.
In addition to enjoying good food and drinks in Umeå, Emil recommends experiencing the unique nature and the city's cultural and sports offerings.
– I really love the nature here! It's nice to walk around the bridges in the city or head out to Grössjön and take a stroll there. But what I enjoy most is going to Ön to walk; it’s very peaceful, Emil shares.
For art enthusiasts, Emil also has his favorites, which, of course, involve food and drink.
– Bildmuseet is amazing! So is Umedalen Sculpture Park, which has a lot of beautiful art to see. You can also enjoy a meal at Bistro Garage while you’re there, Emil says.
Emil’s final tip revolves around sports, something he is clearly passionate about.
– Björklöven is from the city and probably has Sweden's best hockey fans, with an incredible atmosphere in the arena. The club is running with good management, it should be possible to reach the SHL, even though Hockeyallsvenskan is an exciting league to watch. Women's hockey, in general, will see an upswing, and I hope Björklöven gets to move up to SDHL, Emil adds.
Besides hockey, Emil also mentions both floorball and football. A major floorball match is a must this fall, he believes.
Name: Emil Åreng
Lives in: Umeå
From: Bräcke in Jämtland
Occupation: Runs the cocktail bar Facit Bar in Umeå and is an editor for publications including Café. He will soon release his second book, "Salongs i Sverige". He has also hosted the podcast "Den Blinda Grisen" together with Måns Herngren and Adam Lundgren.