“I haven’t seen many well-dressed gentlemen with nicely trimmed moustaches… yet,” says Kristian Moldskred, the impressively bearded Norwegian co-owner of Kaschk. “But I’m sure they will come.”
Deriving its name from a traditional Norwegian drink made from filter coffee and moonshine (which they also serve, substituting Belvedere vodka for bathtub hooch), this newly opened sister of Mitte’s Oslo Kaffeebar stands apart with its combination of high-quality coffee, craft beer and shuffleboard.
“I wanted to create the impression of craft,” says the former construction engineering student. Situated in Mitte’s distinctive, modernist L40 building (aptly known as the Black Maze) and outfitted with reclaimed wood furnishings, antique Scandinavian dining benches and real-time urban growth in the obligatory construction site visible through the back window, Kaschk has craftsmanship coming out the wazoo.
Hot beverages include filter coffee and espresso drinks made with Bonanza roast beans (€2.50-3.20) and aromatic teas or chai (€2.90), and beer connoisseurs will be delighted with an IPA from Danish cult brewers Mikkeller or a cinnamon-y Bonfire Brown ale from Smuttynose (€3.80).
But it’s the shuffleboard that makes Kaschk worth sticking around – think a combination of air hockey and curling; up to eight people can play at once and the staff are happy to instruct the curious.
While still finding their evening crowd, the owners of the nascent bar hope to start holding monthly events and shuffleboard tournaments, as well as beer and coffee tastings.
