The team behind Oslo’s Himkok is redefining how hospitality professionals connect. Instead of the typical guest shift, where visiting bartenders pop into a bar for a night, the Norwegian venue launched a program called Nordic Sessions. This initiative focuses on cultural immersion and deeper relationships between industry figures, journalists, and brand partners. The concept addresses common criticisms of the bar takeover model, which often leaves both the host venue and the visitors with little more than a photo opportunity.
A Different Kind of Collaboration
Nordic Sessions are designed to give participants a genuine understanding of the venue’s philosophy and the products it uses. The experiences, which last between two and four days, often take place in the Norwegian environment. Past iterations have included cross-country skiing, mushroom foraging, hiking, and celebrating midsummer by the coast. These activities allow guests to see the ingredients and traditions that inspire the bar’s signature drinks in their natural environment.
Paul Aguilar, head of R&D at Himkok, explained that the goal is to build connections through shared experiences. He noted that bringing people into these environments helps them understand the thinking behind the bar. While cocktails are not the main focus of the trip, the groups do share a few drinks. The emphasis remains on the culture and the people involved in the process.
According to Aguilar, the program also serves a practical business purpose. Norway has strict regulations regarding alcohol marketing, limiting the promotional value of standard guest shifts. Nordic Sessions allow the venue to create high-quality films and photography for partners to use in other markets. This content, along with social media materials, provides value that would be difficult to achieve through a single night of service.
Himkok has hosted numerous traditional guest shifts over the years. The staff enjoyed the hospitality of those who had previously hosted them. However, they received consistent feedback from guests who felt disappointed with the cocktails. Aguilar stated that a visiting bar’s working methods and preparation techniques do not always translate smoothly into another venue. Changing service organization also places significant pressure on the local team, which consists of 12 people managing a 350-person capacity bar.
When the team began questioning the value of these exchanges—considering the investment of time, travel, and accommodation—Nordic Sessions emerged as a better alternative. Sharing several days together creates space for conversations that are difficult to have during a busy service. The format better fits how the venue wants to host people and work with its partners.
Hiking Trolltunga, a famous cliff in Ullensvang, Norway, stands out as a memorable session. The group included Gabriele Armani, a prominent figure in the World Class bartending community, along with Shay Waterworth from Drinks International and bartenders Shingo Gokan and Nóra Földvári. The hike was physically demanding, complicated by poor weather that left everyone soaked. Despite the conditions, the group pushed through and supported one another.
Expanding the Model
Himkok plans to take the Nordic Sessions model beyond Norway. The team is organizing an experience in Iceland for November. The goal is to apply the same approach in a new location. The organizers will learn from the local people, traditions, and surroundings. This expansion shows the program’s adaptability to different cultures.
