News

SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has secured a deal to renew its operations at Oslo Airport.

The company will open a number of new restaurants and cafes. These will include internationally recognised brands and several of SSP’s own well-known food and beverage concepts, as well as outlets tailor-made for Oslo Airport and inspired by the cuisine, history and culture of the capital city. The portfolio that SSP will bring to Norway’s largest airport will ensure that all travellers are catered for, and the mix has been selected to meet the needs of the passengers at OSL.

A new wine bar created by SSP called Tigerstaden takes its name from an affectionate nickname for the city, described in a poem by the famous Norwegian author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnsons in 1870. Offering a true taste of Norway, Tigerstaden will allow travellers to enjoy an authentic range of Norwegian foods and wines, with pairings crafted in consultation with leading Norwegian sommeliers. An imposing tiger that has been beautifully carved in sandstone and stands on the top of the bar will welcome passengers to the restaurant. At night, this eye-catching statue will be illuminated with projection mapping technology that will bring the creature to life in vivid digital colour. State-of-the-art technology means even the most luxurious wines can be served by the glass without compromising the wine quality.

Bjørn’s Backyard, inspired by Oslo’s convivial backyard culture and urban-style family life, will serve international favourites with a street-food vibe in an informal environment that invites people to ‘come as they are’ to dine in or grab and go.

For those craving a taste of Italy, whether travelling with friends or family, SSP has created the Trattoria Tavolare. Two units of this new restaurant concept (one in the international terminal and one in the domestic terminal), will serve Italian favourites, from stone-oven baked Neapolitan pizzas to classic pasta dishes, Italian sandwiches, antipasti, barista coffee and real gelato.

An upgraded coffee concept called Parken captures the relaxing charm of the Norwegian capital city’s famous parks and public gardens, and two units will offer a wide selection of barista-made drinks alongside classic Scandinavian pastries and light bites.

Coffee drinking is an essential element of Norwegian culture and Kaffetår has been designed to appeal to the country’s coffee fans. The cafe will incorporate Insta-friendly architectural elements from the award-winning Norgesglasset cocktail bar, which it will replace.

The line-up will also include global brands popular with travellers across the world. From SSP’s own stable, a new Ritazza will open at arrivals, while Barino Café & Bar will make its debut at OSL.

A new O’Learys sports bar will be found in the domestic terminal, offering passengers a chance to enjoy the hospitality and buzz for which the brand has become internationally famous.

Starbucks, which made its first appearance in Norway in partnership with SSP in 2012, will complete the brand line-up.

Jeremy Fennell, CEO of SSP Continental Europe, said this latest win is a testament to the strength of SSP’s team and their relationship with the team at Avinor. “Our partnership with Avinor has endured for a quarter of a century, and we have been operating at Oslo since before the new airport opened in 1998. More than half of all Norway’s air passengers pass through Oslo Airport, and we’re looking forward to continuing to rise to the challenge of making a visit to one of our bars or restaurants the best part of the journey for travellers at this important global hub.”

Joachim Lupnaav Johnsen of Avinor said: “Over a number of decades, SSP has been our partner helping us achieve our business goals and improving passenger experience at our airports. Their ability to bring outstanding international brands supported by their deep understanding of the local market means that they are a trusted partner in whom we have much confidence as we move to this next chapter of our history.”