Mjolner might be the mythical name of Thor's hammer, but customers will choose a different dining weapon of choice when Mjolner opens in Redfern this week. Diners at the underground carvery-restaurant and bar will choose from about a dozen knives.

"There is a lot of theatrical stuff going on here. I've even purchased an old Viking sword, dug up in a river bed in Germany and carbon dated to the 9th century," says Mjolner co-owner Sven Almenning from the Speakeasy Group.

Almenning, who is responsible for polished venues such as The Roosevelt and Eau de Vie, in Sydney and Melbourne, has taken a more quirky approach with its latest venture.

"We've installed two large meat lockers so customers – or groups of customers – can have their own personal prosciutto hanging there between visits," he says.

Ex-Monopole chef Tom Gripton will guide a changing menu that Almenning explains will have "a bird, a fish, a beast and a vegetarian dish".

While Mjolner will be table service, a carving station is part of the theatre. Is Almenning concerned about some of his knives going missing? "They cost about $100 each, so I hope not."

Open Tuesday-Saturday noon-midnight; Sunday noon-10pm.

267 Cleveland Street, Redfern, 02 96999142, mjolner.com.au