A bar called Gemma is the true brain and handcraft child of Johan Evers - he has done everything except for plumbing and electrics in this small gem(ma) of a bar. Size wise, it’s a bit on the small side, but they make up for it with intimacy and the dialogue with the guests. This place is definitely a must whenever you are in the Nordics, add to this Tjoget and the Cadier Bar and you’ve worked up a trio worth a trip in itself.
Come early to snatch one of the few seats by the bar, stay late and engage in lengthy discussions on Hemingway, the revival of the Swedish cocktail scene and the truly best bitters.
Atmosphere: 7/8
An intimate experience with the cocktails in full focus - this place is little more than a small bar with a few tables, but the music is spot on, and the interior is as simple as it is perfect. The only minus is the strange back door which gives people a reason to use the bar as an exit from the offices above.
Cocktails: 6/8
Solid cocktails, each of them with a story behind - if you ask the bartender. It seems to be a trend nowadays to not write anything about the cocktails. A brief narrative on each one would make them all the more spirited.
Bartenders: 7/8
One well-established oldtimer in Johan Evers and one rising star in Oscar Drigoris - the combination of the both of them is knowledgeable, new-thinking and creative. Add a third bartender (because let’s face it - during peak hours it can be hectic) and it will be a full score.
Ice: 6/8
Big, clear ice cubes - next step would some ice artworks with an ice stamp, perhaps even the big ice block (not sure of the footfall during an average night though, if it would allow that).
http://www.abarcalledgemma.se/
Grev Turegatan 30
Stockholm
Sweden