Café Laikku opens in Tampere's Laikku Cultural House on September 1

According to the City of Tampere, Café Laikku opens in Tampere city centre on Tuesday, September 1, offering a relaxed public café and work space in Laikku Cultural House. The Laikku festival moved into the building earlier this summer when events were shifted indoors due to capacity limits, and the building has since hosted concerts and exhibitions earlier coverage.

Maiju Varjus, the café manager, says the space will welcome remote workers, families and culture fans. The menu emphasises on-site craftsmanship and fresh ingredients. Head chef Ilkka Isotalo helped design offerings including fragrant pastries, hearty lunches and a rotating selection of pies. Early evenings will blend elements of British afternoon tea with the Finnish seven-varieties tradition.

Following a competitive bidding process in May, operator Livelaboratorio Tampere Oy was chosen to run the café. CEO Annamaija Saarela says Café Laikku will complement neighbouring G Livelab Tampere, host artist meet-and-greets and pre-concert events, and contribute to the development of the Kirjastonpuisto area.

The café opens at 09:00 on September 1. It will be open Tuesday–Friday 09:00–20:00 and Saturdays 10:00–18:00, with Sundays added from October (10:00–18:00). The opening week features a performance by Liila Jokelin and Teemu Markkula on Saturday, September 5 at 14:00.