Swedish hotel converts empty rooms into pop-up restaurants

Sweden’s approach to Covid-19 has been more relaxed than in other countries, with pubs, restaurants and shops staying open throughout the pandemic. However, those living in the Scandic nation remain concerned over gathering en masse where social distancing is challenging, meaning hospitality venues must adapt.

As such, hoteliers have begun converting their unoccupied guestrooms into alternative spaces such as remote working stations, and now, at Lidköping’s Stadshotellet, private pop-up restaurants for up to 12 guests.

Named ’67 Pop-Up Restaurant’ due to the number of rooms being used for the initiative, the unique concept allows Swedes to reserve a dining area complete with a candlelit setup, relaxing playlist and food delivered from the hotel restaurant. Opening times follow the hotel’s hours, while the pricing is as per the normal menu.

Stadshotellet’s General Manager Jesper Alfredsson recently told Forbes that he knew he had to do something different, given that business had fallen by 70% compared to the previous year: “We will probably do it as long as we have reservations for it, and for as long as we have restrictions,” he says. “I don’t think guests will have the same need to eat alone when restrictions are gone – they will want to go out and meet and see people.”

CREDITS
Words: Ben Thomas
Photography: Courtesy of Stadshotellet Lidköping