The beginning: have you heard of Fika, the Swedish ritual of slowing down? Fika typically involves a cup of coffee, a sweet bite to eat and always involves sitting with others and enjoying social connection.
Let me introduce you to Kate and Erik who are bringing a slice of Swedish living to Sunderland in the North East. We popped over to talk to them about the wonderful journey they have been on over the last few years, their micro roastery and their pop up “Resinn” that is fast becoming a well-loved coffee experience event by locals.
The story
Their paths crossed in London many moons ago when Kate moved there from the North East and Erik relocated from Sweden. After spending six years in London focusing on their careers, the couple made the decision to settle back in Sweden and enjoy the lifestyle that offers work-life balance and has wellbeing at its core.
Their commitment to sustainability and value for the environment is one of the qualities that sets Sweden apart from many other countries. They are world leaders in renewable energy, organic agriculture and recycling.
With an interest in understanding the origin of the beans, the growers and the process that takes place to bring the best coffee, Erik took the steps to follow his passion and their dream began.
As Kate quickly learned, Fika was deeply embedded into Swedish culture and even integrated into the working day. A way to bring people together and increase wellbeing in the workplace. A stark contrast to British culture of working through lunch and after hours.
Another notable feature of Swedish living is the way communities open up their gardens and homes for locals to come along, connect with each other and enjoy a coffee and something sweet.
Erik’s ethos towards his coffee business is true to his Swedish roots- ethical, sustainable and fair. He sources his beans direct from the grower, cutting out the middleman, building relationships and ensuring the growers are paid a living wage rather than a minimum wage. He then roasts them here in the North East at his own roastery.
To celebrate and recognise the growers, each of the coffees are named after the growers and showcase the family name on the front of the packaging.
The Experience
Resinn pop ups began in early summer 2023. On selected Saturdays Kate and Erik open their garden and basement for locals to stop by and enjoy one of Erik’s own roasted coffees, a slice of home baked cake from Northern Bakery ( Kate’s sister) and a chance to sit and connect with each other. The setting is rustic, chic and very welcoming and Kate’s sense of style is really inspiring.
After the success of the first pop up, the couple added further dates over the summer and into early Autumn.
On offer are a selection of cold brews, hand brews and their signature coffee lemonade. On our visit we both had the coffee lemonade which was a refreshing cooler on a warm July Saturday morning. The home baked carrot cake was exceptional, and we enjoyed it while sat in one of the tastefully decorated basement rooms admiring the stylish interiors that Kate had arranged. It was no surprise that in true Fika style, we soon got into conversation with others as they arrived. The mood was relaxed and calm yet upbeat with an air of excitement at this new way of coming together and celebrating the weekend.
The future
Further pop ups are planned and if you are local to Sunderland or fancy a little trip over to experience a taste of Swedish living, keep your eyes on their social media pages where future dates will be announced.
Plans are underway for coffee workshops with Erik, where he will share his expertise and help to show you how you can create great coffee at home with the equipment you have.
Kate is also planning floral wreath workshops in her stunning home. I’m standing in line for these, they will be super amazing.
The house is currently listed as a location house which means it can be hired out for shoots and filming. We were lucky enough to have a little tour when we visited, and it is stunningly creative and stylish. I might have heard Kate mention that she may do house tours in the future which would be an absolute treat, although it will leave you rushing home wanting to redecorate.
Resin have just launched their first interiors collection which will be available online as well as at their pop ups. The basement can also be hired for conferences and team building. It’s the most stunning venue which will bring you the chance to experience a taste of Swedish wellbeing in a beautiful yet relaxed setting and a chance to try Fika for yourself.
Find Resinn at https://www.resinnthestore.com/
Review and images by Maria Davison @girlabout_thenortheast
