One of London's beloved bars close due to fire

By Olivia Snaith-Cairns

Ever visited the famous Scandinavian themed sports bar in Central London? You might want to put your visiting needs on hold as news has just been released that the Nordic is temporarily shutting its doors.

Photo Credit: Nordic Bar, via Instagram

It started out as a usual quiet Sunday evening in Newman Street, with the music playing and people chatting, expecting nothing else, and then suddenly, the visitors of Nordic bar quickly fled the scene due to a fire that started from behind the bar.

It’s been said by an employee that the fire started around 7pm, coming from the bar's dishwasher.

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Outside the Nordic, firefighters trying to calm down the first, Monday 25th. Video Credit: Claude Bardy

Claude Bardy, an employee of the Nordic, stated that the atmosphere before the event was ‘nice and calm’ and the customers were relaxed having drinks. “I felt pretty calm, even though it was difficult to react quick regarding the fire, my concern was more about evacuating the staff and customers, to get everyone out safe,” said Bardy.

"Everything went really fast, ze (one of the employees) had to evacuate the customers in less than 5 minutes”

The bar is believed to may take ‘between 3-6 months’ to renew what has been burnt. Bardy stated that this includes most of the bar, large section of the kitchen and the rest of the place that was been damaged by the smoke.

The Nordic’s beloved customers were deeply saddened by the news, including a regular visitor, Federico Salviato. The 28-year-old expressed that he is ‘heartbroken’ because the bar is closing, adding that he has so many memories and good times spent with his ‘closest friends’. “We will find some other spots to hangout, but nowhere will be the same vibe as the Nordic,”

“The bar is my favourite spot in London. From friendly staff members and management, high quality food to affordable prices and good music,” said Salviato, “We visited the bar the other day (since the fire) and it was all shut down with wooden panels covering the broken windows.”

Nordic before the fire. Photo Credit: Nordic Bar

The bar posted on their instagram: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nordic is currently temporarily closed. Rest assured, Thor and the team will be back bigger and better before you know it! In the meantime, visit our sister venues for all your party needs.” The other venues include Trapeze bar and Bar Rumba, both located in Central London.

So don’t fret, you can still visit you other favourite clubs, but for now the Nordic will be close for a short amount of time.

Photo Credit: Trapeze Bar Photo Credit: Bar Rumba