BRYT Tapasbar

Bryt Tapasbar resides on Notenesgata 1 in Ålesund, and here, they serve tasty Spanish dishes.

The Spanish era and the market town of Ålesund

A Spanish law from 1835 meant that imported goods to Spain had to be shipped to the country by Spanish schooners. Foreign, for example, Bergen schooners that brought goods to Spain, were imposed a formidable duty. For the citizens of Ålesund, who had previously brought the fish products to Bergen and sold them to the merchants there, the law came as manna from heaven.

The citizens of the city now got direct sales and a better price for the fish products than before, and the pockets became as full as Brosundet by sleek Spanish sailing ships. Several of Ålesund's shopkeepers could take the step up to being a merchant - people who traded directly with foreign countries. A new and profitable ‘trade’ had been established, and Ålesund had finally become a ‘market town.’

Spring in Brosundet

Ålesund has a historical alibi for housing a tapas bar. In the spring, during the Spanish era in Ålesund, the city was full of Spanish sailors on land-leave. Street dancing, wine and guitar playing were normal.

Today, we still want to gather in the same way, which is why BRYT exists. Maybe it will be a glass of wine and a good chat, or perhaps it will be an evening for the history books?

The Spanish ships arrived in the spring, loaded with salt, sugar, wine, tobacco, and coffee. Some years, there could be up to 25 Spanish ships at Ålesund harbour waiting for the clipfish to be ready to be transported to Spain. The Spanish era and the Spanish-Sunnmøre clipfish ‘trade’ left a mark on the city’s name, the food they make and in local history.

You will be served great Spanish tapas at BRYT as they use local ingredients as well as Spanish cheese and hams. They also offer Spanish wines, sangria, and Spanish-inspired drinks.

Welcome to BRYT tapas bar!