Even now, nearly 100 years since its completion, the Ekeberg building looks modern and unique against the forested backdrop. Originally built to manufacture tobacco products, it has undergone many transformations. It is thanks to Christian Ringnes and Eiendomsspar that it has been brought back to life again recently.

High up in the hills, Ekeberg Restaurant is a popular place to admire views of the city, and an ideal venue for a New Year’s Eve dinner. Joining the tram at the foot of the hill, we sat among suited couples who all disembarked at our destination. The steep climb, not easy in celebratory attire, prepared us all for our final meal of 2013.

Disjointed, jagged and very unusual, it was like venturing into a science lab. Inside though, the champagne flutes were lined up, white tablecloths graced the tables and waiters were standing to attention.

The set menu for the night featured four courses of Scandinavian food. Norwegian ham with a sweet and sour asparagus and mango salad woke up the tastebuds to start. Next, petit pois soup with chives, garlic cream and bacon crumbs was warming and highly-flavoured; despite the radioactive green hue it was our favourite course of the night. There is something about obligatory set menus that dilutes the excitement of a meal. I watched diners all around me receive the glazed duck breast, so when it was my turn I felt slightly underwhelmed. The meat from Holte Farm was high quality, coated in a red wine gravy of which I would have liked a second helping.

As 12 o’clock drew closer, service became more erratic and we waited a while for our blueberry crumble and coffee. It was strangely magical sitting at the top of the hill so far away from the parties down below. Oslo was set alight with fireworks across the fjord – I can’t think of a better setting to welcome 2014.

More information here: www.ekebergrestauranten.com