Go local to sample London’s Scandi cuisine and culture

London has a plentiful selection of independent cafés and restaurants, ran by ambitious individuals and families from every corner of the globe.

The city has a deserved reputation for being a multi-cultural hub, a meeting point for many – if not all – of the world’s cultures.

A rising influence in London’s eating out scene is Scandinavian culture – effortlessly cool and always desirable. It’s no surprise that there is such a buzz surrounding the ‘Scandi’ lifestyle, a huge part of every culture is quite simply the unique food they have to offer, and this is truly an aspect where the Scandinavian’s shine, and something everyone should experience.

So, to make your life that little bit easier, here is a round up of the best spots in every direction across London. Try them all, and tell your friends.

Curious Yellow Kafe, Hoxton

Impossible to miss, this beacon of light brings endless joy to the borough of Hoxton with their selection of sweet and savoury Scandi options. The yellow was a conscious decision, to bring the fond memories of Stockholm across Europe all the way to London. With options to suit everyone, you’re covered whether it’s a full English you crave, or an array of Scandinavian crudités for the more adventurous. Those on the fence can also enjoy a mix of in-between croissants and cakes.

– 77 Pitfield St, Hoxton, London N1 6BT

Find out more at the Curious Yellow Cafe website.

The Bread Station, Hackney

The ultimate destination for bread amateurs and connoisseurs alike, The Bread Station in Hackney brings the art of Danish baking to the London wholesale market, whilst offering a one of a kind onsite experience of watching the bakers in action. Under the expert eye of Danish Michelin star chef Christoffer Hruskova, and Per Brun, the duo are set on bringing the best of Scandinavian baking to the heart of London.

– 373 Helmsley Pl, London E8 3SB

Find out more at The Bread Station website.

• 

HEJ, Elephant & Castle and Bermondsey

HEJ Coffee is a London born coffee shop, that is Swedish at heart. It was the starting point to carry on the dream, continuing the passion for all things coffee. Consider HEJ a one stop shop for anything and everything, you may have guessed, coffee. With beans roasted in-house, a barista school and coffee shops, the produce is HEJ approved from start to finish. Also in the wholesale business, HEJ supply the beans for local businesses, restaurants and cafes.

– Elephant & Castle: 53 Mansfield Point, Rodney Road, London SE17 1BA

– Bermondsey: 1 Bermondsey Square, London, SE1 3UN

Find out more at the HEJ website.

• 

Blåbär, Putney

Blåbär, pronounced [blaw-bair], is a (half-Swedish) couple-run concept store and café located in Putney. With a handpicked selection of furniture, home accessories, textiles and lighting, that are either created by or designed in the Nordics, it truly is a celebration of Scandinavian design. Focused on creating an immersive experience, Sandra & Oli, chose to open a neighbourly café and coffee bar alongside their concept store. Affordability, quality, sustainability and uniqueness, are at the heart of Sandra & Oli’s mission, to add a little bit of ‘Nordicness’ to everybody lives. 

– 3A Lacy Road, Putney, London, SW15 1NH

Find out more at Blåbär’s website.

Scandi Kitchen, Fitzrovia

Scandi Kitchen holds it’s title as the UK’s leading Scandinavian food outlet, aiming to provide Nordic cuisine to you wherever you are. The kitchen began to supply their own demand, as the Scandinavian duo found a devastating and surprising lack of their native cuisine in the giant that is London. So, they decided to fill that gap in the market, and brought authentic Scandi treats to the central streets of the city, ready to educate and inspire the lucky passers by. 

– 61 Great Titchfield St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7PP

Find out more at the Scandi Kitchen website.

There you have your brunch schedule for the next five Sunday mornings. And for every one after that, keep exploring and find the hidden sweet spots that make London the ever-changing capital it so proudly is.