Bar’s Swedish theme a winner

By Sacha Delfosse

Melbourne bar DuNord looks set to expand its operations in response to strong early trading.

Owner Thomas Kiltorp drew inspiration for the 180-capacity venue's design as well as its food and beverage offer from his Nordic roots.

The food menu includes a selection of Swedish bites such as beetroot-cured salmon, Swedish meatballs and the bar’s most popular snack, Tunnbrodsrulle.

"It’s a typical Swedish street food, which is basically a beef sausage, mash potato, mustard and cucumber relish served wrapped in traditional Swedish thin bread," said Kiltorp.

"The response has been amazing, we knew there was nothing like this in the area and a result we’ve had a loyal following from the first week, which is mostly locals who live or work close by," he said.

There are 20 boutique beers, including a strong selection of Swedish and Danish craft brews, and 30 wines on the drinks menu, while the cocktail list changes weekly, and features a range of classics and bespoke cocktails.

"The cocktails are seasonally driven by what fruit and vegetables are available from our daily trips to the market," he said.

The venue is fitted out with exposed brick walls and subway tilings, and filled with hand crafted Oregon timber and recycled steel furniture, with a clientele base that is dominated by 25 to 50 year old professionals.

"The actual space we’re in is incredible in terms of size and opportunity. My aim is to eventually transform the entire space and utilise every aspect of it," said Kiltorp.

"We’re currently at stage one which is the front bar. Stage two will be transforming the front bar to a restaurant and still keeping with the Nordic theme, as I feel that Nordic flavours and Scandinavian culture are untapped territory here in Australia."

DuNord, 367 Little Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC Ph: (03) 9642 0052