Triwa’s Guide to Stockholm
Founded by four friends in Stockholm in 2007, accessory brand Triwa has transformed contemporary watch design. Each collection is entrenched in Scandinavian heritage – inspired by the city and its people – and, along with Triwa sunglasses, is sold through fashion boutiques around the world. Here, the brand’s creative director gives us a tour of his home town.
What is a secret spot in Stockholm everyone should visit and why?
Pastis is a very small French restaurant in the heart of Old Town. It has a total of 25 seats so it’s always an intimate and memorable experience when you dine there. It’s hard to book a table so definitely plan ahead if you’re going to try it.
What are your top-five spots to eat and drink in Stockholm?
T/Bar, on Strandvägen, is Hotel Diplomat’s unpretentious brasserie, which is perfect for any occasion. It’s very close to the water so the views are fantastic. Kommendören, on Kommendörsgatan, is quite new and features a great mix of food from all over the world. Sturehof is one of Stockholm’s old classics. It’s probably the best place for favourite Swedish dishes such as toast Skagen [prawns on toast] and meatballs. If you’re after a place to have a few drinks with your friends, you can’t go past Lilla Baren (The Little Bar) at Riche – it’s a must! Berns is one of the oldest entertainment establishments in Stockholm. It houses a wide variety of bars and restaurants to suit all different styles. You can start with an early beer and continue on to bars and clubs within the same building. It’s also on the water so, again, the views are always great.
Best place to get coffee?
Mellqvist Kaffebar, in the south of Stockholm, is a great place to grab a coffee. They serve classic Swedish bryggkaffe as well as espresso made with heart.
Where should people head for the best boutique shopping?
Götgatsbacken, south of the city, has the best variety of stores and labels. You can find absolutely everything, including hip second-hand stores, music and guitar outlets, H&M and, of course, our Triwa flagship store located at Grev Turegatan 13.
And the most amazing interior design stores?
Asplund, near Östermalmstorg, has a lot of contemporary Scandinavian-designed furniture and accessories. For more classic Scandi interiors, visit Svenskt Tenn on Strandvägen.
What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to?
Ada, [a coastal town] in Ghana.
Describe your ideal holiday.
I love renting a house or apartment rather than staying at a hotel. I like the idea of going out and finding nice local produce and making meals ourselves together, as opposed to eating out every night. I also love travelling with my family and friends.
What are the top-five things you won’t go on a trip without?
My Canon 5D camera; I really enjoy photography and I find it the most fun when travelling. A Lonely Planet guide – I backpacked when I was younger and I still tend to look at Lonely Planet to find the best recommendations. A pair of runners. My Triwa “Turtle Sean” sunnies and Triwa “Shade Lansen Chrono” watch.
Do you get to the airport early or late?
Unfortunately, late!
Aisle or window?
Always window.
What’s the secret to a stress-free journey?
Keep the kids at home.