Mjølner (pronounced Mjol-near), Asgard and Valhalla: three terms one would associate with storied Viking culture and the legend of Thor, and possibly some of the last things you’d associate with Sydney’s dining scene. That’s changed now that The Speakeasy Group, the same team behind Eau de Vie (both Sydney and Melbourne), Boilermakerhouse and The Roosevelt, have finally opened their long-awaited whisky and carvery restaurant in Redfern.
Mjølner, best known as the name given to Thor’s powerful hammer, is much more than just a name when it comes to the theme of the venue, which draws inspiration from the grand Asgardian feasts of Valhalla, where the Viking Gods ostensibly indulged during the bygone era. Of course, all this means that Scandinavian design, both new and modern, has helped shape the new restaurant and bar, bringing something unique to Cleveland Street and giving reason to celebrate with a menu dedicated to whole animal cooking and carving.
An open carvery is one of the main features of Mjølner, allowing diners to witness all the action as a team of chefs, led by Tom Gripton (Yellow, Restaurant Hubert) prepare a menu of daily rotating produce, under the headings of bird, fish, beast or vegetarian. Cured meats are a big focus as well, with cuts being presented in two old tabacco kilns that have been converted into cured meat fridge’s. If that excites you, then you’re probably going to be one of those customers who purchases whole legs for storage in on-site meat lockers.
“I am super excited to finally be doing something that reflects on my Norwegian heritage”, offered Speakeasy founder Sven Almenning, who has gone through great lengths to move this quirky design along, including purchasing an old Viking sword for the venue. “I really hope Sydney will dig it. We have some pretty cool stuff in store for everyone”.
The muscular approach of Mjølner also spills over to the drinks menu, which focuses on signature cocktails and a serious whisky collection which sits at around 400. Being a restaurant there’s also a stronger focus on quality wines as opposed to other Speakeasy Group venues.
Mjølner
Address: 267 Cleveland St, Redfern NSW 2016
Website: http://www.mjolner.com.au/
Images supplied and credited to Alana Dimou.
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