Did anyone actually think you’d get through this massive Porvoo saga without this post?
Back to my favourite cafe in Porvoo, Helmi (meaning ‘pearl’ in Finnish) cafe!
Have I ever bragged about the cake counter before? I know it’s not all vegan but… just look at those colours and textures!
The tea was served in these lovely cups (notice the star and crescent moon shapes in the tea strainer). And on the left you can see an actual, real, heavy-duty meringue.
Vegetarian spinach-olive-pie above.
Needless-to-even-say-how-rich slice of chocolate cake with a cuppa.
Even though the day of this visit was a bit on the cloudy and rainy side, the temperature was still high enough to enjoy the last moments of summer breeze in the garden of the cafe.
Unfortunately for me, I have always either been too busy to visit the location or the shop has simply been closed at the time.
This time though, I was determined and opportunist enough to check the opening hours in advance. Hooray internet and social media!
The shop is divided into two parts according to the origins of the pieces: if they are modern reproductions or actual vintage items (not that there’s anything bad in either of them – they’re all lovely as seen from the pics).
I would definitely recommend visiting Doris & Duke for those who are especially interested in pin up fashion. Just look at those fluffy petticoats hanging out of the fitting room ceiling!
Gorgeous fitting room table!
Of course I couldn’t get away without finding something to try on. I actually ended up buying this vintage dress (above) from the 1970’s. The price, 20 euros, wasn’t bad for a student budget, either.
The vintage side is behind the counter.
You know I had to.
Doris & Duke isn’t just about clothing since there is literally heaps of accessories and jewellery from which to choose.
The prices of the vintage items may vary a bit but overall I’d say that none of the stuff is at least badly over-priced.
This side of the shop is dedicated for the colourful retro items.
For some reason I just found the black sing to be highly amusing to me. Though I should probably get the silver one for the university seminar…
Even though I personally feel that the vintage side of Doris & Duke is meant more for me, I still know a couple of friends who would absolute love all of the reproductions.
Urho K. Kekkonen (replica above) is still one of the most well-known presidents of Finland.
Without starting an unnecessary political rant, I just want to point out that it is really funny to print a black-and-white picture of a respected old male figure with his own words ‘saatanan tunarit’ (something like ‘fucking morons’) into the parking indicator we use in Finland to tell when we have parked our vehicle. And yes, people move around the meters if the allowed parking time is running out. I think it must be a pretty very universal phenomenon to try to avoid a ticket. With this indicator I don’t think it would even be a proper chore.
Before anyone asks: yes, I know what ‘fanny’ means in the British context. And that’s exactly why I wanted to name this post as such. (Although I think that in this context, ‘Fanny’ is referring to a popular old Finnish-Swedish feminine first name.)
And in the reality that’s the actual name of this lovely little cafe I visited last time in Porvoo.
The preparedness to serve high-quality teas was the first thing that got my eye!
There was quite a good selection of food and beverages (including various smoothies!). Unfortunately I can’t recall anything being 100% vegan on the menu so I just focused on taking pictures and sipping my standard choice: coffee with oat milk.
Cafe Fanny is quite spacious inside but also decorated with selected vintage items that give that needed occasional splash of colour. One of my favourite ones were these green chairs above!
The cafe is located next to the town hall plaza and is quite a popular place especially during the summer season when the terrace area is opened.
The interior of Cafe Fanny divides into a couple of old rooms where you can sit down for a moment with a cup of coffee – and maybe even a croissant (evidence below).
Today I’m about to introduce you to one of the gems in Porvoo Old Town: toy shop Riimikko (in the Finnish language the word ‘riimi‘ means rhyme and that’s what I interpret the title to resonate).
The shop is located in Välikatu, near my favourite cafe Helmi and the well-known Brunberg factory shop.
Even though the prices are kinda high (understandable for an artisan shop), it’s always completely free to step in and wonder…
Toy shop ‘Riimikko’ has several smaller rooms (as many of the old buildings do) filled with treasured details that surely will fascinate children of all ages. Including me.
I just wish I could live here and get to use the stairs into the mysterious-looking rustic balcony! I also absolutely love the retro posters.
The simple-looking old door will lead you to a nostalgic trip back to your childhood – or provide an adventure for the younger generations.
Even though there are dozens of posts about Porvoo in my blog, there’s really not one all-encompassing one addressing the most famous landmarks or the general vibes of the Old Town. So here is one for you guys now!
The red granaries above have been standing beside the river since the 18th century when they were first painted with the traditional type of red ochre paint. Nowadays they are used as apartments, restaurant and small shops.
The gorgeous Porvoo Cathedral was build on top of a hill in the 14th century which makes it one of the oldest churches in Finland. It’s also holds very important historical value as the venue of the Diet of Porvoo that took place in 1809. According to the general historical interpretation that’s when Finland originally become an autonomous state (under the Russian Empire).
The Cathedral has been burned or otherwise destroyed or tampered multiple times throughout its colourful history. The building we see today is the end product of another reconstruction after the last arson that sadly took place in 2006.
Just look at the marvellous work of craftsmanship!
If you visit the small plaza right next to the Cathedral, you can find yourself walking in another time – an experience completed with the sight of vintage cars and small shops everywhere.
I adore the contrast between olive green and red ochre – completed with the lanterns and neatly made autumn plantations.
Some of the local residents/businesses had put out small baskets of apples for passers-by to grab as a snack. I love these kinds of small acts of consideration towards one another!
What comes to the city of Porvoo nowadays, above you can see the town hall is it is today. (Or in August at least.)
The ‘shop of dreams’ above. The shades of the vintage yellow are also very much prevalent in Old Porvoo.
Another shot of a well-made old building in my favourite colour…
Back to the old town hall square. The red building above is actually the Old Town Hall that was built in 1762-1764 – serving as a museum these days. Minors under 18 years old get a free entry, and the exhibitions are opened from Wednesday to Sunday at 12-16 o’clock.
There’s also benches in the shade for the tired wanderers…
Mysterious Yellow 