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Norway - Britannia Hotel

Bailliage of Norway
Trondheim's iconic hotel

A house of influence since 1870
" Britannia Hotel is a gastronomic destination in its own right "

The Britannia Hotel is a striking domed white building that has been the world’s most northerly luxurious “palace” hotel for 150 years. Trondheim’s iconic hotel first opened its doors to its glamorous guests in 1870. Since then visionary politicians, explorers, Parisian fashionistas, international stars of screen and stage have graced the Britannia’s hallowed halls.

Vibrant in its splendour, the hotel soon became a unique gathering point, where the latest news and trends were shared between visiting dignitaries and Trondheim residents. History has been made within this house, shaping Norwegian culture for a century and a half.

If only the walls could speak!

The rebirth of the Britannia is the brainchild of Norwegian financier, Odd Reitan, who was born in Trondheim in 1951 and who, at age 14, developed the dream of owning the Britannia. He features prominently in the Forbes and Bloomberg lists of global billionaires.

The newly-renovated hotel is a celebration of cutting-edge Norwegian and Scandinavian design and artworks. Beds are by the celebrated Swedish handmade bed-maker, Hästens. Bathrooms are a feast of Carrara marble.

At the heart of the Britannia there is the glass-domed Palmehaven (Palm Court), first unveiled in 1918 and soon became Trondheim’s meeting place for socialites, artists, musicians and intellectuals.

Reputation and legacy are built on fascinating stories including those of the people who work at, live in and visit the hotel. Every time someone enters, they leave a bit of themselves and take with them something from the experiences they enjoy.

The contribution of the Britannia’s ensembles and musicians to the city’s music scene is immeasurable. Even before the hotel was established in 1870, the farmhouse which preceded it was known to be a centre of musical performance in Trondheim. Today it is the go-to ‘home away from home’ for world stars gracing the city’s stages.

Britannia Hotel is a gastronomic destination in its own right catering for all preferences and palates.

Speilsalen (the ‘Mirror Hall’) has for generations been a room of countless conversations and fine dining. A dinner here was unlike anything else in town, encircled by beautiful mirrors and reminiscent of a palace ballroom.

Today, World Champion Chef and Bocuse d`Or silver medallist 2017 Christopher Davidsen has his signature restaurant, Speilsalen mirroring the spectacles of the past and enticing food enthusiasts from around the world, with ground-breaking cuisine. Christopher presents a culinary journey unlike any other, with a focus on perfecting the elements of surprise.

Britannia’s Vinbaren (The Wine Bar) is a living cellar including a bar and three tasting rooms, lined with 8,000 of the world’s best bottles.

The iconic dining hall, dating back to 1918 and now restored to its original splendour, is the perfect breakfast, lunch and banquet venue. In the Jonathan Grill you can cook your own meat, fish, seafood and vegetables - a first for Norway!

The decoratively tiled Brasserie Britannia is an urban dining space in the classic bistro style.

A unique hotel designed, curated and staffed with heritage, style and vision, the Britannia is indisputably a destination for pleasure and lasting memories - truly a ‘House of Influence’!

Marie Jones
Managing Editor

Chaîne members at the hotel
- Mikael Forselius, Officier Maître Rôtisseur
- Sara Forselius, Maître Hôtelier
- Ida Dønheim, Sommelier

All photos (c) Britannia Hotel
Principal photographers: Lars Petter Pettersen & Wil Lee-Wright
Other images by Dreyer Hensley, Gerhardsen Karlsen, Fredrik Ringe

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