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Step inside the theatrically appointed Hi-Hat Art Bar , the newest bar on the pedestrian stretch of Iso Roobertinkatu, and you might just imagine you’ve stumbled into the Roaring Twenties. The walls are adorned with a vibrant, mystical garden mural and striking artworks. There’s even a piano, which often doubles as a stage for a jazz pianist. Performances – ranging unpredictably from classical music to rap – happen here with refreshing regularity.
The founders of Hi-Hat are all professionals from the worlds of visual and performance art, and it shows. The owners themselves are often working behind the bar, which adds to the welcoming vibe. Guests are greeted warmly and shown to open tables with a personal touch that makes you feel a little bit VIP – and that’s exactly the kind of hospitality we want more of in Helsinki.
The artworks on display are all for sale, and sometimes new pieces are created right on site. If you happen to visit at the right moment, you might catch artists at work. According to the owners, the space evolves like a garden over the course of the season – a place dedicated to giving emerging artists, many of whom haven’t yet been shown in galleries, a platform. The striking wall mural was painted by Copenhagen-born, Helsinki-based artist Cecilia Ebbe Belinskij.
The focus here is firmly on atmosphere rather than a multitude of cocktail options or other drinks. All in all, Hi-Hat seems like a brilliant addition to Iso Roobertinkatu, a street rapidly becoming one of Helsinki’s most exciting bar destinations.