Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The restaurant at the Radisson SAS Polar Hotel serves up an outstanding Svalbard set
menu, with seal, whale, reindeer and other local specialities making a regular appearance
on the fine à la carte menu.
Drinking & Nightlife
Although alcohol is duty-free in Svalbard, it's rationed for locals, and visitors must present
a valid onward airline ticket in order to buy beer and spirits (but not wine…). The
Nord-
polet
( 79 02 25 33; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat)
booze outlet is at the back of the
Coop Supermarket. A surprisingly good buy is 'XO Svalbard Cognac' (avoid the VSOP
variety) - it makes an original gift for friends back home.
In addition to the following places, three hotel bars - the Radisson's
Barents Pub &
Spiseri
( 4pm-2am Mon-Thu, 2pm-2am Fri-Sun)
, the Spitsbergen Hotel's
Funken Bar
(
11am-2am)
, and
Peisen Bar
(Mary-Ann's Polarrigg; Mary-Ann's Polarrigg; noon-2am)
at Mary
Ann's Polarrigg - can also get lively in season.
Basecamp Spitsbergen
also has a stunning,
glass-roofed 'Cognac Loft' which is perfect for watching the Northern Lights in winter -
it's for guests only but they may relax that when things are quiet.
Kroa
BAR
(The Pub; 11.30am-2am)
Bustling Kroa, with metal bar stools fashioned from old mine stanchions and sealskin
rugs, is enduringly popular.
Karls-Berger Pub Café
BAR
(Lompensenteret; 5pm-2am Sun-Fri, 3pm-2am Sat)
Enter this place, put on your shades and prepare to be dazzled at the sight of over 1000
bottles of whisky, brandy and sundry spirits shimmering behind the bar of this snug pub.
They also serve pub meals.
Svalbar
BAR
(
11am-2am Mon-Fri, 1pm-2am Fri & Sat)
