Oslo to open its doors in Hackney Central

Anyone for cured mackerel? Nordic nosh at Oslo

It’s always good to hear about independent businesses winning out over big chains. So it’s nice to be welcoming another fresh face to Hackney as food, drink and music hangout Oslo finally throws open its doors this month.

The venue was forced to postpone its planned December launch because restructuring work on Amhurst Road back in November – though not affecting the building itself, which has been declared safe by the council – temporarily blocked off access.

It now plans to kick off proceedings in the New Year with the first instalment of its weekly club night, Valhalla, on Friday 17 January.

So what can we expect? Owner George Akins says Oslo will become a daytime meet-up joint as well as a night time hangout for gigs.

“We’ll be bringing the best of the UK’s emerging talent – both bands and DJs – to Hackney Central,” he says.

“Oslo will complement the Picturehouse and Hackney Empire to make the area a great destination for food and entertainment.”

Late night patrons will be able to pick from vinyl sets on the lower level or live music and club nights upstairs in what’s set to be a bright new addition to Hackney’s going out scene.

Meanwhile, the food sounds like it’s going to be great too. The emphasis is on local. Local produce, local ingredients, with a nod to Akins’ Nordic heritage. And that includes the booze, with East End craft ales from local breweries like Redemption, The Five Point Brewing Company and Sambrook all available on tap.

“Our food will be pretty adventurous with a little Nordic touch here and there, we’ll have a variety of lunch dishes and everything will be designed for a quick turnaround so customers can eat in the evening before a gig.”

Head chef Dave Ahern, formerly cooking up a storm at the likes of House of Wolf, has crafted a menu with his re-imaginings of traditional east end dishes, as well as dishes that play to Norwegian cuisine such as curing, smoking and pickling, designed to go hand and hand with the craft ales available.

Oslo is pitching up in quirky surroundings. Its owners reportedly beat tenders from major retailers for the keys to the premises, which were originally built by the North London Railway Company in 1870.

Located right next to Hackney Central Overground station, the place became a World War II ticketing office and is the only surviving part of the original station, which was shuttered in the 1970s.

“Hackney is a great location,” says Akins. “There is a growing market for our music-led, food and drink bar in the locality and it’s an exciting place to be opening something new and unique.”

Oslo opens 17 January, 1A Amhurst Road, E8 1LL