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Going Underground
Tunnelbana in Sweden, Metro in Finland, Subway in America and Tube in England, the last time I went underground was right here in Lahti.
Metro pub in Marolankatu (just off/under the market square). Opened in 1952, the same year that Lahti held the Olympic football competition, Metro is a former public toilet which was converted into a pub in 1994. It has been owned by Kari Kaksonen since 1999. Although it is not Finland’s only former toilet to ‘metamorphose’ into a pub, it is uniquely underground.
Metro is not just a summer terrace as many people mistakenly believe. The main pub is open all year round from 16.00 – 00.00 (sometimes later on weekends) Monday to Saturday and has seating for 40 patrons (not including the toilet seats!). The upstairs terrace opens in the summer (according to the weather) and has room for 120 customers.
Inside Metro the walls are adorned with pictures and/or photos by local artists which are displayed free of charge and changed monthly. Currently on display is a selection of pictures taken in London by Lawrence Bojkovic.
For those who prefer a strong tipple, you will be disappointed Metro only has a Category B licence and as such can only sell alcohol up to 22 per cent. On the other hand there are three beer taps and a selection of over 120 bottled beers. If you are like me and enjoy a quality stout, Metro has the widest selection, six, in Lahti.
For the more enthusiastic beer fan, Metro’s very own beer club, Beer Friends Underground (BEFU) organises annual trips to some of Europe’s major breweries and holds numerous sahti tasting events. Whilst, the indoor sports fan can enjoy a small selection of games including chess and draughts, the more energetic will be interested to learn that Metro will be entering a team in this year’s World Mölkky Championships to be held in Lahti (16 – 17 August).
Owing to the ongoing debate over the proposed car park underneath Lahti Square, the future of Metro is very uncertain and, therefore, Mr Kaksonen has been unable to obtain a long term tenancy agreement. Instead he has not one, but two short term lease termination agreements - for the terrace which falls under the jurisdiction of Lahti City’s Parks Department – 5 years with 2 two months notice and for the main under ground toilet – a 6 months rolling contract, from Lahti City’s Building Department. Understandably, Mr Kaksonen would like the Lahti museum to declare the building protected, thereby securing its future even if the car park is built.
Finally, as Lahti Metro has only one stop, after drinking my pint of stout I have to take the bus home!
Mike Bangle is the owner of Talking English language consultancy and can be contacted at mike.bangle(at)phnet.fi
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