Pharmarium

Address: Stortorget 7, Stockholm, 111 29, Sweden
Tel: +46 8 20 08 10
Website: view Pharmarium’s website
Hours: Mon-Tue 16:30-23:00, Wed-Thu 16:30-00:00, Fri-Sat 16:30-01:00, Sun 16:30-23:00
Style: Cocktail bar

Review

Located in the centre of Sweden's old town (Stortorget), Pharmarium is inspired by and takes its name from Sweden's first pharmacy, Schmidtens apotek, which opened in 1575 and was located close by.

The location, amidst the touristy centre coupled with this bar's reputation, means Pharmarium is always busy and with a mere 45 seats you are advised to reserve your spot via the booking form on the bar's website. However, the cosy window seats are kept for drop-in guests. Whether you book or not, on weekend nights in winter you are likely to find yourself huddled in the small doorway with others behind the red rope awaiting entry to this rightly coveted cocktail haven.

With its low-ceilings, maroon red walls, and warm lighting, DJ, nooks and crannies, Pharmarium has a wonderfully atmospheric atmosphere. Guests almost encircle the bartenders around the cramped two-station bar and if you're lucky enough to nab one of these ring-side bar stools then being so close to the action adds to this bar's appeal.

Given the cramped bartending conditions and the pace at which drinks are dispensed, the quality of the cocktails is all the more impressive and we enjoyed some of the best cocktails in Stockholm here. The Wooden Ships (bourbon, palo santo, birth smoked roso vermouth, Swedish punch, apricot brandy and bitters) and the Cool Cat (calvados, blanco vermouth, apricot brandy, pandan and chamomile soda) were particularly delicious.