At the iconic Britannia Bar, where history and hospitality converge, the new cocktail menu transcends the traditional experience—it is a multi-sensory tribute to the lives of remarkable individuals who have shaped the hotel’s legacy.
Titled “Portraits of Britannia,” this menu is the latest creation of Executive Bar Manager Øyvind Lindgjerdet, who not only crafted each cocktail but also designed the artwork that accompanies each drink. Known for his visionary approach, Lindgjerdet has transformed Britannia’s cocktail experience into an immersive, story-driven journey, where each cocktail tells the true story of a person, their life, and their unique connection to this historic hotel. The concept is brought to life through vibrant, intricate portraits that celebrate each character alongside a bespoke cocktail, merging distinctive flavors with the essence of historic personalities. Lindgjerdet’s artwork, produced with a unique tactile printing technique, adds a three-dimensional quality, allowing patrons to feel each brushstroke.
Inspired by the ingredients themselves, the colors in the artwork—soft tones for delicate notes, rich hues for bolder ingredients—mirror the flavors of the drinks. This visual and sensory harmony is extended to the cocktails’ presentation, with glassware and garnishes that reflect each drink’s color palette, establishing a cohesive, immersive experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the “Portraits of Britannia” menu is its deep connection to Norwegian terroir. Collaborating with local foragers and artisan distilleries, Britannia Bar ensures that each cocktail holds a taste of Trondheim and the surrounding Trøndelag region. Ingredients such as truffle seaweed, white rowanberries, birch leaves, and spruce tips are handpicked and incorporated, offering guests a sip of the regions’ distinct natural flavors. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to align with the character’s story, grounding each cocktail in a sense of place and history.
This narrative-driven menu allows guests to connect with Britannia’s heritage and Trondheim in an entirely unique way. The design, infused with historical details, turns each drink into a chapter of Britannia’s ongoing story, offering an unforgettable journey from the first sip to the last. And beyond the drinks, Britannia Bar delivers the attentive, intuitive service that has become a hallmark of Britannia Hotel. Each bar staff member is not only a skilled mixologist but also a storyteller, eager to share the background of each drink and the philosophy that guides Britannia Bar’s concept.
With each turn of the page, guests are transported through time, connected to each figure’s unique role in Britannia’s history. This interplay of past and present celebrates the legacy of the hotel, inviting modern patrons to partake in its ongoing story. Through “Portraits of Britannia,” every drink becomes more than a cocktail—it is a canvas, a story, and an invitation to immerse oneself in the heritage of a hotel that has stood the test of time.