Helsinki Terraces: Daytime Drinks for a Better Night's Sleep?
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.
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.
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.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.