Established in 1836, Fiskars Wärdshus is the oldest inn in Finland in terms of uninterrupted service. Over the years, all kinds of customers and daily specials have come and gone. In the early days, the typical customers of the inn were often coachmen, who were served good hearty grub. One of their favourites was the traditional lunch dish, pork and brown beans.
Fiskars Wärdshus, also known by its colloquial Finnish name “Wärssy”, is located on the main street of Fiskars Village, on the old King’s Road. The building housing the inn is one in a row of the village’s historic buildings. The most impressive of these is the Manor House, formerly occupied by the owners of the ironworks village. The most prestigious travellers were invited to dine there.
In 1998 the inn got a new proprietor couple, selected from among several candidates, Patrick and Marja Karlsson. Fiskars Village is lively place during it’s opening hours as well as Wärdhus restaurant at lunch time. In the evening it is the only place open as Village closes and looks like deserted neighborhood.
Restaurant in main building serves Scandinavian food designed by Chef Patrick Karlsson. One can dine inside or in the summer at the terrace which is in the front of the building.
For starters ordered Smoked roach mousse with potato crepes and Wärdshus’s country style salad with halloumi. Mousse was excellent and suited well with crepe. Halloumi salad was simple but ok for starter. Only three starters in a la carte list and one in Raseborg menu, understandable for fine dining restaurant in small destination.
For main courses enjoyed Fish of the day which was Whitefish and Finnish marbled sirloin with blue cheese from Peltola cheesery. Whitefish was well prepared and served with polenta and vegetables. Sirloin was ordered from Raseborg menu but it was served with aioli not with blue cheese. After noticing mistake waitress brought separate cup of blue cheese which caused mixed aioli – blue cheese combination, not planned dish. Sirloin was a little bit chewy as beef is too often in Finland if it is not the best fillet available.
For dessert had fresh strawberries. Maybe too full to eat anything else.
Visited Fiskars Wärdhus two years ago and restaurant would have earned then 4,5 for service. This time too many things needed amendment. However, the hotel itself and whole Fiskars Village are worth to see and visit.
One can also find Petris chocolate room in Fiskars, chocolate we enjoyed earlier at restaurant Origo.
REVIEW: FOOD 4-/5 – SERVICE 3-/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4/5
http://www.wardshus.fi/en/home
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