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Helsinki Terraces: Daytime Drinks for a Better Night's Sleep?
๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Finland /Economy & Trade

Helsinki Terraces: Daytime Drinks for a Better Night's Sleep?

From Helsingin Sanomat · (8m ago) Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Helsinki residents enjoying alcoholic beverages on terraces during the day cited saving their night's sleep as a reason for early drinking.
  • Some patrons felt terraces were surprisingly empty on a sunny weekday, questioning if daytime drinking is becoming less common.
  • Those interviewed stated that moderate daytime drinking, like a lunch beer or sparkling wine, fits well with a day off and that they consciously limit evening consumption to avoid hangovers.

As the sun shone brightly over Helsinki, casting a warm glow on the city's terraces, a gentle hum of activity could be observed. While some establishments remained closed mid-day, others welcomed patrons seeking a leisurely respite. For many, the allure of a daytime drink wasn't just about enjoying the weather, but a strategic choice to preserve the night's rest.

When we are this age, we go home by train early in the evening. No wilder times.

โ€” Tarja Hรคrmรค-LummelaDescribing her and her partner's relaxed approach to daytime drinking.

Interviewees, like Tarja Hรคrmรค-Lummela and Martti Lummela, who were enjoying a bottle of sparkling wine near Stockmann, explained their preference for early-day indulgence. "When we are this age, we go home by train early in the evening. No wilder times," Hรคrmรค-Lummela remarked, highlighting a relaxed approach to their city visit. They noted that while they expected terraces to be bustling, many appeared surprisingly quiet, prompting a reflection on whether the tradition of daytime drinking is fading.

Of course, alcohol affects night sleep. When you have a little bit during the day, then in the evening you drink water.

โ€” Tarja Hรคrmรค-LummelaExplaining her strategy for enjoying daytime drinks without disrupting sleep.

For those in the hospitality industry, like Peter Sheinin and Oscar Karling, a lunch beer is a welcome break, but not a prelude to heavy intoxication. Working weekends often means Sundays are the preferred day for socializing after shifts. "But of course, drinking during the day..." Sheinin began, trailing off, suggesting a nuanced view where moderation is key, especially when one's livelihood depends on being sharp. The consensus among those enjoying a tipple seemed to be that a little bit during the day means sticking to water in the evening, a sensible strategy for enjoying a day off without the repercussions of a heavy night.

This kind of lunch beer is an excellent product.

โ€” Peter SheininCommenting on the enjoyment of a beer with lunch.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.