- We started in 2009 and since then we've been involved in most things. We just say "yes", and then we do it. Preferably together with others who are doing what they're passionate about. In this way, the city can flourish by building each other up through good co-operation," says Marit Due Akerholt.
Not just a barista
It was quite late as Marit organised a fashion show in the backyard the day before, but that doesn't affect the pace of the busy coffee shop owner.
- "I never take the same route back that I used on the way in," she says as quick steps take us towards the new opening at Haugar café.
She never shies away from new paths in life either. Preferably on impulse, as long as it's fun to do. When she's not driving her mobile coffee shop on three wheels to companies, organising catering parties or attending everything from festivals to wedding fairs, she runs the coffee shop chain Bare Barista. But it wasn't a foregone conclusion that this would be the case.
- "I've always wanted to, but there's something about doing it," Marit continues at the same speed across the tarmac. This year, the first Bare Barista in Øvre Langgate was joined by two new ones, at Haugar Art Museum and the railway station. When Marit arrives on the train from her home in Holmestrand, she likes to visit them all during the day.
- We're a coffee shop. Coffee takes centre stage, but everything we offer has to be good. That's why we make our own baked goods and pastries. I want to know where things come from and make them from scratch. That's something I brought with me from my time as a journeyman lead glazier, that I find the whole process exciting. The glass and the coffee beans that change character when they meet the heat. With the attitude that everyone can benefit from each other, and take advantage of each other's expertise, we can pull the city together and build the local sense of belonging.
Exciting process
- "Tønsberg used to be known for its pier, but now the town itself has also become a place where people feel at home," says Kjersti With.
- Those who move back to Tønsberg think it's great that a culture of using the town has been established, as they have become accustomed to in other cities. "Over the past ten years, the number of places specialising in local produce and good coffee has exploded. "It has a lot to do with the fact that we've grown to love the city centre. That's the role of the café.
It took a police officer to fill the pedestrianised streets of Tønsberg with the scent of freshly baked bread made from local ingredients. Since Kjersti With put the first tray in the stone oven in 2011, the bakery and coffee shop "Brød og kaffe" in Storgate has been joined by two new branches, "Bakst og kaffe" next door to the hospital and "Bok og kaffe" at the library. In the autumn, she's moving the ovens to Tollbugaten, where there will be a merger of bakery and community centre. With so many loaves of bread in the fire, ingredients from the police profession, such as decisiveness, structure and ability to execute, are probably useful to have on board.
New meeting places
- Tollbugaten will be a house for everyone in Tønsberg. There will be a bakery and café, as well as offices, group rooms and an arena for meetings and seminars. With concerts, a café and meeting places, somewhat inspired by Mesh in Oslo," says With.
Although the driven bakery entrepreneur is keen on the meeting places in the city, she is no stranger to new opportunities in one of the country's most beautiful archipelagos.
- "Landhandleriet is an idyllic little spot by the guest harbour on Tjøme," says Kjersti With.
- Here, freshly baked goods will be delivered straight to the boats this summer. "We'll take your order at the pier, so you don't even have to go ashore before breakfast is served," says With.
Courage at the pier
Almost down by the pier in Tønsberg, in large and cosy premises, is Abraham coffee shop. Behind a golden yellow La Marzocco, the legendary espresso machine from Italy, is Linn Andrea Solberg. At the age of 21, she opened her coffee shop in the premises attached to the cinema in Tønsberg in 2014. Quite young to be running a coffee shop, many might say, but for Linn it was a well-considered choice - she had been dreaming about it for ten years already. And for the enterprising coffee shop owner, there was never any alternative to opening in Tønsberg, with all the qualities that her hometown and the surrounding archipelago have to offer.
An old classic in a new guise
Ann-Christin Løvdal moved from Bærum to Nøtterøy to be closer to boating, the sea and the archipelago outside Tønsberg. At the same time, she took over an old classic, Kaffespesialen on Torvet, which has been supplying residents with freshly roasted coffee for over 30 years.
The last year has been spent transforming the store, which has now been renamed "Kaffedamen", but the selection and service that have made it the city's speciality store remain.
- Old and new customers will still be able to get their hands on their favourite coffees here, with good advice and guidance on purchase. At the same time, we have renewed part of the range with organic chocolate and exciting accessories, not forgetting the soft ice cream machine serving the square," says Løvdal enthusiastically.
It can come in handy when locals, holidaymakers and tourists enjoy the square in its summer guise.
