Step inside this great value restaurant to discover a round-the-clock business that never sleeps. Editor's Pick bistro bakery Estonia Located on the industrial peninsula of Kopli, Barbarea has been impressing guests with its unique approach to service hours since the summer of A bakery by day and a stylish bistro by night, it treads a transformative line in Tallinn's most up-and-coming neighbourhood. Situated in a former rubber factory, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating β the latter overlooking a shady industrial courtyard from a wooden terrace.
Join us as we take a closer look at this shape-shifting venue. The Chef Kenneth Karjane initially set off down a completely different path, securing a physiotherapy degree before finding a passion for cooking in his final year. Enthralled by local markets, it became a habit to sample new dishes and products, and by the time he'd graduated, he'd secured a position alongside renowned Estonian chef Silver Saa. Yet, with an entrepreneurial spirit from the start, his true sights were on striking it out alone.
For three months he worked in Stockholm bakery Valhallabageriet. But when his grandmother gave him a downpayment on an apartment, he took the plunge, opening a micro-bakery β the most realistic hospitality option for his budget.
His business started in a catering kitchen in a racing car garage. In the early days, he predominantly dealt with wholesale to other restaurants, solely communicating with the delivery driver. With that motivation, Kenneth took a gamble on Kopli, which was then a more affordable area for rent. With the mindset that it would be a fitting production space if the area didn't attract enough footfall, his investment paid off. As a bakery, Barbarea goes by a whole other name; its early morning alter-ego is titled Karjase sai, Estonian for 'The Shepherd's Bread'.
The day starts at dawn for the staff, who arrive at 4am to begin preparations and produce enough fresh pastries to put the first batch on the shelves by 8am. From 9am onwards, customer service is in full swing, selling pastries and coffees.
