Håkan Sävlind, a pivotal figure in the Swedish specialty coffee community, never initially envisioned himself as a coffee professional. What began as a fleeting interest blossomed into a dynamic career managing Café Pascal, co-founding Nordic Brew Lab, and nurturing home brewers through The Brew Journal. At 29, his influence spans not only crafting exceptional coffee but also fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can connect over shared passions. This article explores Håkan's transformative journey, from discovering coffee’s allure during a barista course to becoming a beacon of inspiration for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
At the heart of Håkan's story lies a profound shift in perspective that occurred during a barista training session at Espresso House. During this course, he encountered a natural Ethiopian coffee with flavors reminiscent of blueberries, sparking a fascination with the unique narratives embedded within each bean. His passion grew rapidly, leading him to immerse himself in every aspect of coffee culture—reading books, watching tutorials, and engaging fellow baristas in collaborative evaluations. This relentless pursuit of knowledge propelled him upward within Espresso House, eventually landing him in charge of training baristas across Stockholm.
Håkan now oversees Café Pascal, renowned internationally as one of Stockholm's pioneering specialty coffee establishments. While delegating day-to-day operations to Clara, a talented barista under his mentorship, he continues to innovate through projects like Nordic Brew Lab. Established alongside Pierre Tymms, NBL bridges gaps by offering curated gear, immersive workshops, and expert guidance under one roof. For those eager to enhance their home brewing skills, The Brew Journal provides digestible content designed to simplify complex techniques.
Creating meaningful customer experiences remains central to Håkan's ethos. Whether serving espresso aficionados at Café Pascal or guiding curious beginners at Nordic Brew Lab, his team prioritizes personalized attention and genuine connections. These venues aren't merely transactional spaces; they're hubs where people feel valued and empowered in their coffee journeys. By optimizing processes such as water customization and utilizing advanced tools, Nordic Brew Lab sets itself apart as both a retail destination and an educational resource.
Looking ahead, Håkan envisions expanding Nordic Brew Lab beyond its current locations in Malmö and Stockholm while continuing participation in prestigious competitions like the Swedish Barista Championships. Beyond technical mastery, these events fuel his creativity and refine his communication abilities. He advocates for trends including cold drip alternatives and freeze-distilled milk, pushing boundaries within Sweden's evolving coffee landscape.
Håkan emphasizes hospitality as the cornerstone of successful barista practice. Even amidst challenges surrounding environmental sustainability and misconceptions about specialty versus commodity coffee, he champions respect and collaboration. Outside of coffee, his interests span music production, fitness, literature, and culinary arts, reflecting a well-rounded individual deeply committed to growth and discovery.
Inspired by curiosity and driven by a desire to elevate others, Håkan exemplifies what it means to transform a casual interest into a thriving career. Through his ventures, he invites everyone—from novice drinkers to seasoned baristas—to partake in the vibrant tapestry of specialty coffee culture. As Nordic Brew Lab expands and new collaborations emerge, his impact on shaping accessible, informed communities will undoubtedly continue to grow.