In addition to the usual beers, offerings from local breweries will also be served at the bar.
The light is reflecting off the tiled floor, TV screens are waiting to be hooked up, and lights need to be installed - it's not long before the opening of Skellefteå's new nightlife venue, First Floor. But operations manager Fredrik Haage is not worried.
– If all the deliveries go as planned, we will open on Saturday. Then we can only hope that we've done everything right," he says.
First Floor relies heavily on the layout of the space.
– It's a very complex venue, which makes it fun to work with. Our biggest selling point is that we're versatile; you shouldn't have to change locations during the evening, because you should have all the possibilities here.
A staircase from Guldtorget leads up to the venue. Once inside, you'll find yourself in a pub environment.
– We want it to feel cosy and welcoming when you enter. A welcoming staff and the right lighting play an important role in this.
– Those who have booked a table and wish to dine from an à la carte menu are directed to another part of the venue. A partition wall separates the darker pub section from a brighter restaurant area with windows overlooking the square.
– Here, we want to use the large windows and the lighter wooden floor to create a contrast to the pub.
From the pub with its dark sofas and pub menu, guests can also move on to another part of the venue. This section will offer special cocktails.
– We want it to feel like home here. The curtains that separate the room will have colored lights, and the TV screens will display something like an open fireplace, unlike the sports shown in the pub section.
The entrance is at the Guldtorget side. "But in the future, an entrance from the other side may also be considered," says Fredrik Haage.
A 20-meter-long corridor leads guests to the fourth part of the venue: the club.
– This is where you'll find the dance floor with a DJ booth, a few sofas, and nearby restrooms. This is where the party happens, says Haage.
The dance floor has a special mat.
– It won't be as slippery and can save your phone from a fall.
The venue's third bar is also located here.
– I think this bar and the one in the pub area will become a natural gathering place for guests.
In terms of safety, Haage says there are very few bottlenecks in the venue.
– We have good lighting in all corners, and there are plenty of wide, well-lit escape routes.
He says the security staff has an important responsibility when it comes to other aspects of safety.
– If someone is being harassed, there are staff nearby. Unfortunately, these incidents do happen, and we are all responsible for creating a safe environment. Also, there are no dark corners in the venue.
"It's fun to do different things in the same place," says Fredrik Haage.
First Floor will have 15 full-time employees.
– We will also have the same number of part-time employees. We've been fortunate to find skilled chefs.
The venue will accommodate about 900 people.
– The club will have a lower age limit of 23. But one Friday a month, it will be open to 18-year-olds.
The slightly older crowd will also be catered for.
– Once a month it will be for people 35 and older. We want to give them an opportunity to have fun without running into their children or children's friends.
Kids will also have the opportunity to take over the dance floor occasionally.
- We know what it's like to go out with kids. They can get a little restless. That's why we're going to have kid-friendly music on the dance floor, so they can have a little bit of fun. We will also have a special children's menu that can be prepared quickly so the kids don't have to wait long for their food.
