AaBakery – the Town Hall’s own café

AaBakery

When Hannele Aapakeri-Keinonen heard from a friend that a new café in the Säynätsalo Town Hall was looking for operators, she jumped at the opportunity. “I’ve always dreamed of having my own business,” says the trained baker and pastry chef. “Here, I could make my dream come true. The name AaBakery is derived from my last name, Aapakeri, because baking is just part of who I am.”

When Hannele took over the café on the ground floor of the Säynätsalo Town Hall, it had just been fully renovated. As the new operator, she was able to contribute to the design of the spaces, which had originally housed the local bank (the vault is still present).

The renovation of the premises was overseen by staff from the Aalto Museum in Jyväskylä. Their goal was to stay as true to the original design as possible, despite necessary modernizations. The interior of the café was also planned according to the design principles of Alvar Aalto by a specialized interior design firm and furnished with furniture and lamps by Artek.

The walls feature rotating art exhibitions, showcasing new works by contemporary artists every 1-2 months. A small design shop with art postcards and other items complements the offerings.

But Hannele’s café is not a museum; it’s a lively café with an attached bakery and pastry shop. All the breads, rolls, pastries, cakes, and tortes offered are freshly prepared on-site by the trained baker and pastry chef herself. She uses locally produced ingredients as much as possible. Locals come by to stock up on baked goods, and visitors to the Town Hall take the opportunity to relax with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

While Hannele runs AaBakery alone in the winter with her apprentice Anna, in summer, it takes five people to meet all the demands. The terrace opens, and guests can enjoy a refreshing break outside in front of the beautiful Säynätsalo Town Hall.

Twice a year, the popular “Kakku ja Kuoharii” (Cake and Champagne) event takes place. During these times, the activity around the café is even livelier, accompanied by local music and singing.

IMAGES: Sabine Paulke