HS: Well-known Helsinki restaurant closed for months – here’s why
A popular restaurant in Helsinki, Pastis, has closed for several months due to water damage caused by a frozen pipe.
The restaurant Pastis, located in the Kaartinkaupunki area of Helsinki, has been forced to shut down following significant water damage. The incident occurred earlier in February when a frozen cold-water pipe burst overnight, leading to approximately 5-10 centimeters of water on the restaurant's floors. The issue was discovered by a chef arriving for the morning shift who reported water pouring from the walls.
Samuil Angelov, the restaurant's owner, indicated that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. He expressed hope that Pastis would be able to reopen by May Day, a significant date in Finnish culture. This announcement comes in the context of a winter characterized by harsh cold, which has impacted many restaurants in the region, adding financial strain to the hospitality industry.
Additionally, Angelov's comments highlight the broader issue of winter-related infrastructure problems that restaurant owners face, particularly with broken pipes. The situation parallels a recent closure of another restaurant, TAR, owned by actor Jasper Pääkkönen, which also faced closure due to a frozen pipe. These incidents underline the vulnerabilities that local dining establishments face during extreme weather conditions and the implications for their operations and staff.