AS the finale of cult classic The Vikings a longboat bearing the body of Norse warrior Einar (Kirk Douglas) is set adrift and ablaze to carry him off to Valhalla.
Ye Gods, that should be the one true way to mark the passing of Vinaböd, the only Viking tapas bar we’ve encountered, occupying the former Allotment Vernon Street site down from Stockport Marketplace since last May.
On January 10 their Facebook page rallied its pagan clientele with this cry: “Escape the cold of Jötunheimr, and join us at Vinaböd, where the fires of Midgard are still lit, and warm thy bellies with a cup of mead.”
Now just five days later those flames are suddenly extinguished. The new post reads: "Hail fellow heathens, it’s with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that Vinaböd has now ceased trading, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us from the start and all our fabulous customers who have enjoyed their time with us, we would also like to apologise to anyone who has a forthcoming booking with us, we are sorry for any disappointment this may cause.”
It’s the second New Year closure announcement in the Stockport area following the news that fellow indie Chaat Cart in Marple will shut from February 1.
Andalusian-inspired tapas sat oddly with a Norse themed interior big on axes horns and fake animal pelts but the sheer quirkiness added to its popular appeal. Who else would have decorated their Christmas tree with skulls? Sadly 2020 is already looking a tough time to trade.
