Litli Barinn in Reykjavik – A haven of Icelandic culture and warmth

In the heart of Reykjavik’s historic Vesturbær neighborhood lies a quaint and cozy gem within the Local 101 hotel, offering a unique blend of Icelandic culture and hospitality. At the helm of this charming bar and its accompanying hotel are Alma Bremond and her partner, David Siklos. Litli Barinn is one of my partners. If you sign up for my newsletter, you will receive a discount code of 15% off food and drinks at Litli Barinn.

Litli Barinn isn’t just a bar; it’s a cultural hub where guests can immerse themselves in the local scene, savoring a selection of fine wines, Icelandic beers, and non-alcoholic options. The bar prides itself on exclusively playing music by Icelandic artists and showcasing Icelandic photography and art books, offering patrons a deep dive into the country’s vibrant arts scene. The ambiance is enriched by the curated menu featuring dips, olives, and comfort dishes that promise a wholesome and nourishing experience. Operating daily from 3 to 10 PM with a Happy Hour between 3 and 6 PM, Litli Barinn invites everyone to indulge in the joy of discovery and relaxation any day of the week.

This interview with Alma Bremond delves into the story behind Litli Barinn, exploring the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs of running a bar and hotel in Reykjavik.

What inspired you and David to take over Litli Barinn and the Local 101 hotel?

I am half Icelandic, have family roots, and even briefly lived here as a child. We have been coming to Iceland many weeks a year with David for over a decade. This place has magic, and we knew we wanted to do something in Reykjavik. We had started visiting spaces during COVID, many, many hotels, and the moment I walked into Ránargata 4a, I looked around and said this is it. It was a 2-minute walk from the house I grew up in, so there was something serendipitous about it all. We agreed to the lease three weeks after we visited the property.

How do you blend your French and Icelandic heritage into the ambiance and offerings of Litli Barinn?

France is the number one country visited globally, and hospitality runs so deep in their culture. My family is also deeply rooted in hospitality, so it was a natural fit. The hospitality sector is relatively new to Iceland, so we wanted to keep it simple and bring it back to basics, leveraging the heritage of Iceland and putting Iceland first in everything we do. We knew if we let Icelandic food, drinks, music, and design lead, everything else would follow.

What challenges have you faced in the hospitality industry, and how have you overcome them?

There are so many challenges, but that is what makes it fun. How many people get to contend with a bothersome volcano in their day jobs? Every day is a new challenge because we must deliver for our guests daily. Sometimes, at the moment, all of the maintenance, the messaging, our dreams, and our ambitions can feel overwhelming. To overcome these challenges, we constantly remind each other that if our team is committed to working and getting better every day, then in 3 months, we will look back and be shocked by how far we have come. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are great hotels and bars!

Can you share a memorable story from your recent journey with Litli Barinn?

After our renovation, we had been waiting for our bar license for months; there were so many hoops to jump through and boxes to tick (by now, we have six sinks in our ten-square-meter kitchen…)! It was so stressful! Every day we called the city, it started to be like, “Oh, it’s you again.” When we finally got the approval, David was the only one working at the hotel, and he just immediately left to pick up the license; we wanted to pick it up before the city closed for the weekend. The feeling of pouring our first drink to our first guest after nearly two years of work was indescribable. Litli Barinn was born!

How do you curate the selection of Icelandic artists, photographers, and authors featured in the bar?

It constantly seeks out what is new (or classic and a little forgotten), what is coming, and what fits the space. It is a constant evolution. Our selection will continue to grow and change as we host events and meet more artists in the community. What is important to us is for guests to learn and be immersed in Iceland’s culture and feel like they are being exposed to non-touristy aspects of what this incredible country offers, such as a selection of the first colored photographs from 1950s Reykjavik. Simultaneously, we want locals to feel proud of their culture and country when they enter our doors. That helps make a space alive; we are only at the beginning of the journey!

In what ways has the community of Vesturbær influenced Litli Barinn?

We want to be constantly in dialogue with our community. They are our north star guiding our approach in everything we do. We are one of the only options within walking distance from the West side. Our objective is to be a community hub. From our choice of decor to our menu and pricing, we are working to make it a place where our community feels welcome. It is more than just a place for travelers.  We are so happy when we hear “We have been waiting for a place like this” from Vesturbær residents. We have been inspired by places like Kaffi Vest or the now sadly gone Coocoo’s Nest. The community makes these places feel alive, and that is our goal.

What are your favorite dishes and drinks to recommend to first-time visitors?

Strangely enough, many first-time visitors ask about Hardfiskur (dried cod) or Kæstur Hákarl (fermented shark) because that is what they have read online. We prefer having them taste our Caprese Salad (Tomatoes/ Burrata). We tell them it is made 100% from Icelandic ingredients – All Icelandic Caprese; who would’ve thought! Of course, the fish is incredible, but so are the vegetables! Sharing how they are grown sustainably right here in Iceland is special for us and something that we systematically share with our guests. Iceland has built a beautiful beer culture in terms of drinks, and we are so happy to share that with our guests and diners!

What are your favorite activities and places in Iceland?

Ah, too many to list! That is why people keep coming back, right? There is always more to do. We love the public pools. They feel like the cafés of France or the pubs in the U.K., where people come together to connect and form a community. The Snæfellsnes peninsula is also a place that we continue to return to; there is just something about the beauty, nearly spiritual, of this place anchored by this incredible, mighty glacier. There is this little café, Fjöruhúsið café in Arnarstapi, that is a magical sanctuary when the weather turns. The waffles taste extra special for some reason. But mostly, driving in Iceland with the music on full blast often gives us goosebumps.

What advice would you give to those visiting Iceland for the first time?

Go to a public pool, rent a car, go to Skál restaurant, and grab a drink at Litli Barinn. If you do those four things, it will be a memorable trip!