The café’s mission is to provide a simple, relaxed place to rest and work — open to everyone — right in the city centre.
"You’re welcome to come to Café Laikku just as you are. There’s room at the tables for remote workers, families, and culture lovers alike, and we make sure no one has to leave hungry,” says café manager Maiju Varjus.
Café Laikku’s food and beverage offerings are designed around on-site craftsmanship and freshness. Alongside café manager Maiju Varjus, Livelaboratorio Tampere Oy’s head chef Ilkka Isotalo is responsible for designing the menu.
"The starting point for designing the menu has been clear, honest, and high-quality café food. We offer fragrant pastries, delicious lunches, and a rotating selection of pies, all while respecting the historic atmosphere of the old library building. In the early evenings, we combine the spirit of British afternoon tea with the Finnish tradition of ‘seven varieties’," says Ilkka Isotalo.
The City of Tampere selected the operator for Kulttuuritalo Laikku’s café based on a competitive bidding process in May. Annamaija Saarela, CEO of Livelaboratorio Tampere Oy, is delighted with the trust the City of Tampere has placed in them.
"Café Laikku is a natural way to expand our operations. The goal of our nonprofit organization is to promote opportunities for live music, and the combination of Café Laikku and its neighbor, G Livelab Tampere, offers plenty of synergistic benefits. Among other things, we plan to organize artist meet-and-greets and pre-concerts at Café Laikku before G Livelab Tampere concerts. “In addition, our goal is to develop the entire Kirjastonpuisto area in collaboration with other local stakeholders,” commented Annamaija Saarela.
Kahvila Laikku will open its doors for the first time on Tuesday, September 1, at 9 a.m. The café is open Tuesday through Saturday, and starting in October, it will also be open on Sundays. The opening week will culminate on Saturday, September 5, when the duo Liila Jokelin and Teemu Markkula will perform at the café starting at 2 p.m.
Café Laikku's hours of operation starting September 1:
Tuesday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Starting in October, the café will also be open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
