Café Opera is a landmark in Stockholm, as the venue is an extension of what is arguably one of the city’s most iconic buildings. It is widely known for its’ unique architectural features, incredible artwork and intricate detail to every facet of the structure, which are things you can expect from a place that is located in a building that dates back to the 1800s. When speaking with one of Cafe Opera’s managers, Patrik Slettman, I asked him what he thought made it so special compared to other places in the city. “Above all, its history. No other nightclub is seated in such a historic building, adjacent to the Royal Castle. Not to mention, 34 years as a nightlife venue is a long time.” With their recent re-invention, the club is at an ultimate high with a fresh new image – new furniture, lighting, entertainment and a brand new attitude. “It’s really about more fun for the guests,” Patrik says.
Although the entrance is a bit tucked away from clear sight it undoubtedly foreshadows the beauty you will encounter once you go inside, with that old glamorous charm on the outside. The first room is a lobby, for lack of a better word, with toilets and doors leading to an array of things. Straight ahead is the stairs to check your coat and bathrooms surround the area. To the right is a simple staircase to one of their beautiful bars (I highly recommend just checking the bar out to revel in its beauty for just a few moments). To the left is where the real party lies.
Stepping into the actual nightclub takes you back to high-life living back in the day, with chandeliers lining the inside, complimenting the detailed walls and ceilings and paired pillars lining the long-length bar. The painting that encompasses most of the ceiling is something to literally marvel over. If you happen to ever be there when it’s not yet dark, it’s worth taking some time to actual appreciate the magnificence of it. However, it is still possible to get glimpses from the flashing lights. Utterly impressive. The only shortcoming I can allude to is it’s a bit too small for its embellished features. I was left wishing there was more!
The atmosphere is interesting and unique compared to other clubs in the city. The grand nature of it feels like Stockholm but the style feels a bit more like other European super clubs (think Opium Mar in Barcelona or Pacha in London). “Café Opera is international. The setting, the sound, the lights as well as the service and entertainment is all in line with big nightclubs around the world.”
The Crowd
The crowd honestly varies. I went on a Saturday night which is supposed to be 25+. How strictly enforced that is I’m not sure, but if you’re close to the age of 25 (and no, 20 is not close, haha) I’m guessing if you’re dressed to kill, especially if you’re a girl, it shouldn’t be THAT much of a problem.
Most people are worried at a place like this you’ll be surrounded by pretentious people that fly on their private jets straight into the club. I don’t think this is something you have to worry about. People look poised and put together but I rarely found a person that outwardly displayed that they were higher on the totem pole than others on the dancefloor or in the VIP areas (not there weren’t any – they’ll always be a few). My advice though – don’t show up in dirty sneakers and a ripped up t-shirt because a) you probably won’t get past the bouncers and b) if you do you should, expect some disapproving stares. This isn’t an underground venue in Sodermalm. There’s a dress code at every place for a reason. This happens to be a more upscale place, dress the part and no one will act like you don’t belong there.
Age ranged from about 23 – 50. I saw some older adults really loving life in there. Never too old I guess! (I will add that there was a bit of an old employees’ reunion party happening the same night I decided to go so the age range could be different at a normal event).
Music
The music differs night by night but from what I can tell they try to mix it up from house and electro to hip hop, r&b and pop. They choose DJs locally and internationally that play things from across the board.
“We plan 5 to 10 weeks ahead and schedule an arrange of events on different nights depending on what day of the week it is, what our target audience is, as well as other factors,” says Patrik.
The night I was reviewing the club the music couldn’t have been more spot on. Around midnight the opening DJ played popular house music (Disclosure, Fatboy Slim, Avicii, etc). Then the main DJ did a whole bunch of mashups with mostly hip-hop and r&b, mixed with some house music. What’s better than singing along to Jay-Z, Biggie, & Nelly tunes? Not much.
The Bar/Bartenders
The prices are decent. They’re not any more or less expensive than all the other places in Stockholm. We’re all used to it by now. Sorry to those who are new! 🙂
The bartenders were cordial. They weren’t particularly friendly but they weren’t unfriendly either. They were quick and efficient. You can’t ask for much more in a nightclub.
Extras – Bouncers, Bathrooms, Coat Check, Smoking Area
The bouncers are actually surprisingly nice considering the size of the crowd that is pushing up when it gets close to midnight. They are strict with policies. If they want you pay the entrance fee, you’re not getting in without doing so (and they usually want you to pay the fee). If you’re not on the list, you’re not on the list. In a way it’s good to keep things strict because it made the club comfortable to be in. Who wants to be shoved up next to strangers all night unable to move because they let in every person at the door in. The venue is not big… if the people who are in the club want to enjoy their time there, there has to be some way of being selective.
There are a generous amount of bathrooms and they’re clean! A+. I even had some great chats with girls on the bathroom line. When does that ever happen in Sweden??
The coat check line can be long and annoying but if you don’t want to deal with your coat it must be done. It’s just the way it is when you live in a Northern climate. I had a good & bad experience in the coat check. When I left my coat, one of the guys was very pleasant and friendly. People would be surprised at what a difference that makes when that’s the first thing you do when you come to a club – it’s all about first impressions! But, when I went to retrieve my coat, I was rudely hurried by another guy from coat check as I was searching my bag for the ticket. Last impressions count too and that wasn’t the last impression he should be giving.
The smoking area is fine and covered, which prepares for all weather. It’s a bit small though and has no heaters, which sucks for those who love to chain smoke on nights out. Once the terrace is open though, it will be much more pleasant to enjoy one…
Overall, I think Café Opera is definitely worth checking out whether you’re visiting or a resident who just doesn’t want to feed into the hype. Our advice: feed into the hype, just for one night. Will I become a regular there? Probably not, but that’s only because I think unique and special venues like this one only remain that way if you don’t over-use them.
Here are some things according to Patrik to look forward to:
-“Opera House Experience” again this coming Saturday (April 19th)
– The patio is opening soon and this year’s theme is Flower Power. It will be a very summery feeling; warm, happy and lots of fun! (very Pacha Ibiza if you ask me – I like it!)
Look at the site for more information on upcoming events: Café Opera
