The green dots on the map mark out the restaurants that have so far applied for permission to have an outdoor restaurant on the municipality's land. Outdoor dining on private land, such as at Rustique and O'Learys, is not included.
This week, temperatures in Skellefteå are expected to climb up to 17 degrees Celsius, and so far, 14 restaurants and bars have submitted applications to the municipality to set up outdoor seating.
This year, both Hälsobaren and Kork Vinbar have applied to have outdoor seating on Nygatan. Kork, which is owned by father-and-son duo Oliver and Mikael Lundmark, plans to have its outdoor seating run along their facade, covering an area of around 30 to 40 square meters.
– We have planned to accommodate approximately 30 seats, says Oliver Lundmark.
Oliver Lundmar, owner Cork.
When will it open?
– "We have placed an order for a fence and new outdoor furniture. Our plan is to open as soon as the items arrive. Delivery times can be somewhat unpredictable, but we are hopeful that we can set up the outdoor seating area sometime between late May and early June."
Kork's new outdoor dining area will extend along the restaurant's facade towards the pedestrian street.
Oliver Lundmark says that Kork's outdoor dining area will have around 30 seats.
It's still rather chilly. Do you think it will be warm enough by then?
– I don't think so. We hope to have some infrared heaters and blankets in place so that it's cozy at the beginning and end of summer, Oliver Lundmark chuckles.
Kork wine bar opened on Nygatan earlier this year.
Oliver Lundmark owns Kork together with father Mikael.
Hälsobaren, located across the street, has received permission to open an outdoor seating area. Owner Patrik Ström says it was a delightful surprise.
– We weren't expecting it to be approved this year, so it's great news that it was. The outdoor seating area will be long and narrow, able to accommodate 20 to 25 people. It will stretch twelve meters in length, be two and a half meters wide, and run alongside our display window on Nygatan. We have already removed the bike racks there, he explains.
Patrik Ström, owner and founder of Hälsobaren, says that the municipality's decision to allow them to open an outdoor section was good news.
Hälsobaren has plans to open its outdoor seating before the end of May.
When will the outdoor seating area be open?
– It's not entirely clear yet. We aim to have it set up sometime in May before the end of the month.
Some restaurants that have already opened their outdoor seating areas are Sara kulturhus, Paolos, and Mandel.
– On beautiful days, people can come and hang out at Mandel's outdoor seating area. However, it's around midsummer and after that we have our summer concept, Mandel's terrace. Then we have a slightly more relaxed summer menu, says Carina Brydling, who manages Paolos and Mandel.
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Paolos has started to put up their awnings for the summer season.
Carina Brydling tells us that she has ambitions to start a dance floor on the cultural center's terrace on the fourth floor.
Carina Brydling has several plans for the restaurants. Among other things, she mentions that Paolos has been in contact with Alhems Trädgård to start serving their ice cream in the restaurant. The plan is also to extend the opening hours of Mandel from midsummer.
– We will be open every day of the week from 12 pm until late in the evening, says Carina Brydling.
Paolo's outdoor seating was assembled last week and opened on Friday.
Mandel is currently in the process of enclosing its outdoor seating area as they have had issues with strong winds up on the roof. The plan is to have it ready by next week. The rooftop terrace will also be furnished differently. Carina Brydling says that she has ambitions to start up a dance floor.
– I haven't applied for the permit yet. If I'm going to have dancing up here, I'll need a dance permit, she says.
Is it something that could be considered in the future?
– It would be awesome. Of course, it would be really fun, she says.
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Mandel is putting up glass at the end of the outdoor seating area to provide protection from the wind.
