The nightlife entrepreneur investing in the harbourfront

“The children were in a wonderful mood. The sun was shining, and we wanted a glass of wine. The area looked more like a construction site, and we couldn’t find what we were looking for. That’s when I thought, ‘this place needs a bar’,” says Misgina Ghebremeskel.

Through a mutual acquaintance, Misgina was put in touch with Caroline Krefting at Carucel Eiendom. The two of them met for coffee along the docks at Oslobukta. Before Hammerhai opened, Misgina had checked out tens of locations in Oslo, years in advance.

“Either I like it, or I don’t. When I got to see this venue, I immediately thought it might take off. We can build something here that you can’t get anywhere else. We can make magic. But the venue was too big. I wanted to divide into thirds,” says the entrepreneur.

Cooperation built on trust

The planning of the entrance, the interior, and the location of the bar was already underway. He also knew of two other parties that might be interested in setting up wall-to-wall. With determination, he succeeded in convincing Carucel.

“We needed a smaller venue. It was very clear to me what kind of place we were making. When you know, you know. We challenged each other along the way, but when I presented the concept and the idea, we reached an agreement to divide up the venue,” he says.

Carucel Eiendom has invested in the city floor of Oslobukta, meaning all the ground levels in the area. This consists of approximately 40,000 square metres across 100 different premises. Caroline Krefting knew Misgina was serious and had visited Angst Bar a lot herself.

“It became the memory of a lifetime. The infection control restrictions were lifted two weeks before the opening. People were longing for freedom. I could practically touch the enthusiasm and love between people. The concept hit the bullseye. We had a full house from day one,” says Misgina.

One of the many details he was concerned with was making sure the bar was located at the entrance. It was also important to him that the venue wouldn’t just be a new Angst Bar.

“Hammerhai isn’t a discotheque. It’s meant to be the place for good wine, good conversation, and a relaxed atmosphere. In a place like that, it’s easier to create good experiences when you see the guests come in. You need a lot of small things to add up to win guests over,” he says.

Within ten months, Hammerhai had a turnover of NOK 16 million. The goal is to push it higher. In May 2023, he opened yet another concept in Oslobukta, Vannskrekk at Sørenga.

“Caroline and I went out to Sørenga to look at the venue together. It gave me the same feeling as when we established Hammerhai. The same way we breathed new life into Strøget in Torggata after Angst Bar opened, the goal is to bring people in, even during the winter. That’s the challenge I want,” Misgina notes.

“Will you be seeking more leases with Carucel?”

“I can’t answer that, but what I really like about Carucel is that they listen, they give you their time, they’re open to ideas and they’ll show up if there’s any issue. It’s a business partner, not just a landlord,” concludes Misgina.

Hammerhai is a café, bar, and club that opened in Oslobukta in March 2022. Here, you can find a unique interior, sea, sun, and Southern Norwegian charm at its best. A spot with good drinks for good conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Hammerhai can be found at Operagata 77 in Oslobukta.