Pub Tekehtopa or Cafe Apothecary in Oslo Norway
Café Tekethopa in Oslo is the old state hospital’s apothecary (pharmacy) from 1872 which was converted to a trendy restaurant in 1997. It’s a three-story mansion, originally with the pharmacy on the first floor and two apartments on the two above. Today it also houses Restaurant Ylajali and Bar Babylon in the courtyard (click all pics to enlarge and enjoy!):
The name Tekethopa comes from the Norwegian word for pharmacy/apothecary which is Apotheket. The first years the café was called Apotheket until the cities pharmacies objected and said that it might confuse people.
Therefore they just twisted the Norwegian word for it, it is simply spelled backwards. In the left photo, you see their logo etched in the window from the inside and it should explain it all 
Most of the walls, floor and ceiling are original and retain the stucco, plaster ornamentation, with large windows that let in much light. They have matched the interior with the old style – quite cosy I would say. I was there for Sunday lunch with my wife DianeCA (her favourite Café) some weeks ago, and gladly take you along:
From the charming and cosy interior.
To capture the atmosphere and remind you of that you are in an old pharmacy, they have e.g. restored the original ceiling paintings and kept some equipment in glass cases:
The service and food is both nice and here are some examples from the menu which my wife and I had:
Left: Chèvre salad with honey, mustard and cashew – Right: Chili marinaded shrimp salad
This is just an example of many cafés or restaurants in old buildings renovated and decorated to take care of and preserve the original architecture. Instead of tearing down these beautiful old buildings Oslo is interested in taking care of the history, culture and traditions. This also makes Oslo a lovely city as many areas are well maintained from the era they were built. That’s also an example of what you can experience together with bloggers from all over the world, if you meet up with us at the Oslo Blog Gathering in August (click to see the official program site!).
19 Responses to “Pub Tekehtopa or Cafe Apothecary in Oslo Norway”
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The only real valuable thing is intuition.
the ambience seems to be great!
this salad looks so yummy!
It’s nice when owners try to preserve original architecture of beautiful places.
What a lovely place! The food looks great (but then, with you, I don’t expect less
) but I mostly love the atmosphere. Looks very bright and open… the kind of place I’d take a book and stop running for a while to enjoy life.
It looks lovely.
What an impressive building and to think of its previous uses. I bet the atmosphere is wonderful.
It looks so new and well maintained I must say
Having worked in Pharmacy for many years & loving the way it used to be many years ago, this is a wonderful example of keeping a way past, and making it meaningful for now. Thanks Renny !!
Old buildings are always so interesting, as you know we have many here in Stockholm too. I can see why Diane like that café, it looks cozy and like very yummy salads!!!
I think I’ll do a visit to the Tekethopa one of this days!
Hi, Renny!
Oh, it’s great to have Terella back on line! I’m happy about it!
I’m going to restore the link gor the Oslo Blog Gathering.
I like very much to see ancient buildings restored and also to transform those beautifull spaces into meeting points for beautifull people! :- )
I really like this place, Renny.
I love it when they restore old buildings.
I like to see old buildings converted to new purposes. Tulsa is beginning to do that more and more.
Like you and diane I am particulary sensible to renovated buildings opened to people after a reconvertion!!! And particulary restaurants where you can appreciate really the atmosphere of the place and in the same time tasting delicious drinks or, and cooking!!!