From prison to pint: Gastropub Pubiruusu opens in Turku

Turku’s former Kakolanmäki prison – once one of Finland’s most notorious jails, now transformed into a lively restaurant and hotel complex – is about to welcome a new addition. Pubiruusu opens its doors on Wednesday 18 February, bringing a laid-back gastro-pub feel to the historic hilltop.

'The idea is that you can drop in for fried chicken and a pint – or oysters and a glass of champagne – without any heavy advance planning,' says Sanna Gullstén, one of the team behind the venue.

Kakolanmäki, which operated as a prison until 2007, has in recent years evolved into one of Turku’s most characterful food and drink hubs. Pubiruusu continues that shift from cells to socialising. Guests are greeted by bold neon signage and a cosy, dimly lit interior with around 60 seats. There’s a big screen for sport, board games and table curling, plus a dedicated darts room to keep the mood lively.

This isn’t a white-tablecloth affair. The food is designed to be eaten with your fingers: think stuffed sandwiches, mussels, fish and chips, vorschmack (a rich Nordic minced meat dish), and even snails. There’s also a broad beer selection, alongside the option to keep things celebratory with champagne.

Pubiruusu is the latest venture from the team behind some of Turku’s best-known restaurants: Kaskis, Kakolanruusu and Air. Kaskis holds a Michelin star and is frequently booked out weeks – sometimes months – in advance. The new pub occupies what used to be Kakolanruusu’s private dining rooms, now reimagined as a moody basement bar. Although it has its own entrance, it connects underground to Kakolanruusu, with food prepared by the same kitchen team and familiar staff running the floor.

Pubiruusu will open Wednesday to Sunday, hosting a pub quiz on Thursdays and a music quiz on Saturday afternoons.

'We think this adds something new to Kakolanmäki and makes the whole area even more attractive,' says co-founder Suvi Raisio.

From prison hill to pub crawl, Kakolanmäki’s reinvention continues.

Time Out tip: If you need comfort in the middle of winter, the pub’s fried chicken is your friend — crunchy yet tender, served with two tasty dips.

Expect to pay: Pub sandwich and a pint €26.

Address: Graniittilinnankatu 2, Turku

Opening hours: Wed–Thu 16:00–24:00, Fri 16:00–01:00, Sat 14:00–01:00, Sun 14:00–24:00.

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