While Swedes are most famously known for their perennial efficiency, flat-pack furniture and occasional ability to knock a great pop song together, in recent years the country has become just as synonymous with cider as Abba.
Brands like Rekorderlig are really taking off in this country, and the glorious sunshine of the past few days brought all lovers of lager’s sweet cousin out of the woodwork.
Now a special venue has been erected in Manchester’s Great Northern Square to showcase Swedish cider and is sure to be a go-to venue if the sun manages to stay bright.
The Rekorderlig Summer Garden has teamed up with Great Northern and ‘pop-up pioneers’ Heart Soul Rock & Roll to bring that little taste of Sweden to Manchester.
While that may sound like you’re expected to build your own table and chairs while listening to Dancing Queen, don’t worry, because the garden is ready to make itself your prime weekend venue.
It comprises of day chairs, quaint picket-fencing, parasols and a garden games area, which is apparently perfect for playing a spot of the Swedish garden game Kubb.
A quick Google search later and it seems Kubb involves knocking over wooden blocks by throwing batons at them – nice and simple after a few ciders, then.
When MM checked out the garden, we were offered the full range of Rekorderlig ciders, including the new passion fruit flavour, which was by far and away the tastiest tipple.
For further authentic Scandinavian tastes, try the Swedish lager Abro, which could become a surprise hit.
Emma Greathead, project manager of the The Rekorderlig Summer Garden, said: “The Great Northern is the place to be this summer for indoor and outdoor antics and the Rekorderlig Summer Garden is the perfect Swedish oasis created to celebrate the long awaited summer sunshine vibes!”
If the idea of an outdoor city-centre venue where the booze flows freely and the sun (hopefully) shines hasn’t yet got you intrigued, the Summer Garden will also be hosting a range of special events.
Expect Swedish BBQs, ping pong tournaments and the odd bit of live music.
Also on board are The Liquorists, creators of Manchester’s Liquor Trails, who have created a summer cocktail menu using Rekorderlig ciders as the main ingredient.
The Rekorderlig Summer Garden is open Thursdays 3-10pm, Fridays 3-11pm and Saturdays 2-11pm.
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