A Very Viking Christmas at Thor's Tipi

As much as we love Christmas, you have to admit it’s exhausting. From the crowds at the Christmas market to lugging your gift laden bags through the shopping centre to frantically organising your annual festive party, it’s the most tiring time of the year.

Sometimes you just need a bit of time to step back, sit down and relax – and this is where Thor’s Tipi comes in. For the first time ever this giant festive tent has rolled into Nottingham’s Trinity Square, just a stone’s throw from intu Victoria Centre and Old Market Square.

Step inside this pop-up bar and you can see immediately why they call it Valhalla. There’s twinkling fairy lights draped across the ceiling, earthy tones, and comfy, cosy seating with fur throws and blankets. In the centre sits a toasty, roaring fire pit which makes for a lovely spot to thaw out by after the chilly outside.

Along with all the classics, the bar offers a great array of festive tipples, including warm cider, mead, mulled wine, and warming cocktails - though there’s plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options too, such as hot cocoa. After getting the drinks in we snapped up a seat by the log fire. It’s nowhere near as smoky as you might expect, and we look up to see that the very top of the tipi, directly above the fire pit, is open to the elements. We’re told that this remains unsealed even during rain – which, apparently provides a glorious rainfall effect which sprinkles into the log fire (though thankfully not onto the guests themselves). For probably the first time in our lives, we’re actually a little regretful that it isn’t raining during our visit.

Thor’s Tipi has clearly been designed to be as welcoming, relaxed and friendly as possible – more like a homely living room than a traditional bar. Guests are permitted to bring their dog in (unusual for a city-centre venue) and there are a range of activities, books and games to keep children entertained, as well as specific kids events at the weekend – perfect for little ones who need a distraction from being dragged around endless shops.

Visitors are encouraged to stay as long as they wish and can order a variety of warming, sharing dishes from the adjacent Food Hut to eat inside. The options (which rotate daily) are poutine heaped with luscious cheese curds, gravy and German sausages, succulent steaks (including veggie options!) and melting cheese toasties, from Power to the Poutine, Son of Steak and Big Melt respectively. With samples brought around regularly we were more than tempted to .et stuck into these perfect fireside feasts!

So if you’re in need of a little hygge this holiday season, make sure to make a stop at Thor’s Tipi. Open seven days a week until New Year’s Eve, it’s one Nottingham Christmas experience you simply can’t miss!

---

This blog was written by Sophie Milne, Communications Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.