Restaurant of the Month, Norway
A unique winter garden in the very north What began as a cluster of shacks, once used as housing for construction workers and miners, has grown into a grand accommodation and restaurant hub that reflects the local history and atmosphere. Here, just outside of Svalbard’s largest settlement of Longyearbyen, at nearly 78 degrees north, you can find Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg: a modern base serving delicious, homemade Norwegian food. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Tommy Simonsen
Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is one of the most northerly hotel resorts on the planet, a place with soul, distinct character and a wonderful, relaxed vibe. “I want to offer my guests a taste of the real Svalbard, of the lives of the miners and trappers who have left their mark on the island over previous generations,” says owner Mary-Ann Dahle. She recognised the potential of the building when it came up for sale in 2001, after renting it, and thanks to her indomitable drive she has since converted the shacks into an au90 | Issue 113 | June 2018
come like a treasure chest full of collectables and quirky decor that all tell a story, something Dahle is more than happy to tell her guests all about, having lived in the area and gained local knowledge of it for 21 years.
Taste the real Svalbard thentic and unique place where visitors to Longyearbyen are able to come and experience something magical. Stepping through the doors at the Polarrigg, you get a sense of the time that has passed, while also feeling the warm and friendly atmosphere. “I have collected memorabilia and items from the old coal mines as well as vintage furniture, which has been integrated with the rest of the interior to reflect the local history and charm,” Dahle explains. It has be-
Located in one of the most remote places next to the North Pole, only a five-minute walk from the town centre, the Polarrigg is like a warm and homely oasis in the middle of all the snow, and the Winter Garden restaurant is an experience in itself. Decorated with fossils and tropical plants, enjoying a meal here is like dining in a museum. You can enjoy Arctic specialties and traditional, mouth-watering dishes from the north of Norway, with everything from fresh fish to whale and reindeer on the menu.