If you like the re-developed, large, old whiskey distillery in Toronto (called the Distillery District) or have been to Hammarby Sjöstad, the industrial wasteland region of Stockholm that was turned into a sustainable eco-village, then come and see the Rotermann Quarter (Rotermanni Kvartal) in the very centre of Tallinn. It’s a 19th century industrial complex (a wheat, rye, and barley mill, bakery, lumber mill, wool factory, power plant, and of course, a vodka factory) that was run by the Rotermann dynasty and today has been re-developed by Urmas Sõõrumaa.
The Rotermann Quarter is very central, and is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, taxi, or public transportation. In fact, it’s a pedestrian-only area (like the Distillery District).
Make a day of it and start your morning at Rotermann, visiting the Scandinavian influenced sourdough bakery and coffee shop called Röst.
The choice of magazines tells you about the clientele: on the coffee tables will be The New Yorker, The Economist, and Estonia’s wannabe New Yorker-style magazine, called Edasi. Be prepared to queue—you will need some luck to find indoor seating at this popular coffee shop.
If you have flown all the way to Tallinn this summer and didn’t have time to squeeze in a visit to France, there is a great French bakery-café called Levier. Here you can get real French rolls and pastries in Tallinn. Don’t come here if you’re in a rush.
If the male members of your family want some European elegance, visit the European menswear store (with numerous shops across Europe) called Suitsupply.
Another elegant choice for both men’s and women’s fashion is COS.
It could be argued that Rotermann is best known for clothing stores aimed towards younger generations. For example, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, StudioT, Bershka, and Springfield.
If you’ve travelled all the way to Estonia this summer, don’t despair if you hope to buy Estonian designer clothing. Rotermanni offers Ivo Nikkolo, Tallinn Design House, and Eve Hanson.
Although Estonia is awash with florist shops, arguably the most renown florist in Estonia is the flamboyant Dutchman Peter Boeijkens, and his flower store FleuR Royale on the edge of Rotermann Quarter. Estonia’s rich and beautiful order their flower arrangements from him.
If you have spent most of your money by midday, try the many well-priced luncheon specials (all for under €10) at one of Rotermann Quarter’s many restaurants. One of my favourites is the Australian franchise sandwich shop SANGA.
If shopping is not your thing and you’d like something a little more spiritual, try the TAO Centre. There are numerous courses every day, from meditation to Japanese Taiko drumming and spiritual traditions of tantra.
Or, as featured in Eesti Elu last month, visit the pop and contemporary art museum POCO.
If tantric exercises have exhausted you or you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, then it’s time for an aperitif at one of the many bars in Rotermann Quarter. The beer lovers out there can visit Pühaste Taproom (Pühaste is a Estonian craft beer brewer) and wine lovers can visit Time to Wine. Or you can sit outside in the central square of Rotermann and enjoy a drink there.
After a quick drink (or four—you are in Estonia after all), try out one of the many interesting restaurants. Why not try out some “Dutch pizza” at Flamm. Alternatively, some top Estonian chefs have stated that their favourite steak restaurant in Tallinn is Pull.
Or if you have not yet tried a Georgian (as in the Republic of Georgia, not the “Georgia on your mind” of Willy Nelson) restaurant before, this is your chance to try Gobi.
After dinner, if you want to hear some live music, try Chicago 1933, Estonia´s premier live music venue.
And if all of your time is taken up with your Estonian relatives, ask them if they have been to Rotermanni Kvartal. If not, introduce them to this happening new neighbourhood in Tallinn!
