Majava Baari Tampere, also known in English as Beaver Bar, is a rock and metal bar at Aleksanterinkatu 29 in central Tampere, Finland. Opened in April 2016, it is the second Majava Baari, following the original bar established in Helsinki’s Kallio district in 2010. Rock and metal dominate the musical identity, and the bar has close ties to musicians, road crew and others connected with Finland’s rock scene.
The Tampere branch was decorated with the help of local road crew and musicians, giving it a character of its own rather than simply reproducing the Helsinki bar. Tampere rock history is represented throughout the interior, including memorabilia connected with bands such as Popeda, while the city’s strong ice-hockey culture also features prominently. The opening itself became tied to local hockey history: owner Mikko Vehmas announced that the bar would open immediately if Tappara won the Finnish championship in April 2016, otherwise it would wait until the following day. Tappara won, and Majava opened that same evening.
The connection with the local music scene also extended behind the bar. During its first year, restaurant manager Santtu Hämäläinen was simultaneously the bassist of Tampere metal band Mokoma. Majava quickly became established in the city and performed strongly in City magazine’s 2016 restaurant poll, where it was voted Tampere’s best bar, best newcomer, best neighbourhood restaurant and best interior. Regular activities have included quizzes and bingo alongside the usual bar operation.
Majava Baari follows the same basic concept as the Helsinki original: a compact rock pub with strong links to the people who work in and around heavy music. At the same time, its collection of Tampere-specific memorabilia, hockey references and local music connections give the second location a distinct identity of its own. More than a decade after opening, Majava Baari remains active at its original Aleksanterinkatu address.
ADDRESS:
Aleksanterinkatu 29, 33100 Tampere, Finland
Back to Tampere.