It's no secret that I love Scandinavia, I've declared it many times on this blog. Whether it's the design, the people, or the lifestyle, the Nordic countries feel like home to me. Despite visiting this part of the world at least once a year and travelling extensively around the individual countries I always want to discover more. Fortunately, London is full of Scandinavian shops, cafes, and restaurants that help keep my lust of all things Nordic in check until it's time for my next visit.
There are Scandinavian delights scattered all over London but because quite a few central locations are in close proximity to each other, it's quite fun to make a day of it. Make sure you're hungry because there are a lot of foodie stops to be found.
3A Lacy Road, Putney, London SW15 1NH
Fortunately for me, this life and style cafe is situated around the corner from my flat. The cafe is full to the brim with swoon worthy Nordic interiors and household items for sale. From candles, to blankets, there are so many things I lust after in here. But the interiors aren't the only Scandi #goals. Open sandwiches, cinnamon buns, and that perfect cup of coffee all take prominent place on the menu. If I'm having a big Scandi day out I'll grab a cinnamon bun to go, they're excellent. But if I'm enjoying a leisurely day at home, the weekend Scandi brunch with smashed avocado on toasted rye with poached eggs, salad and dill potatoes calls my name. For something in between, I cannot resist the meatball and beetroot salad open sandwiches.
24 Rose Street, London WC2E 9EA
If you're not based in South West London then the best place to start your Scandi day is Bageriet, which without a does the best cinnamon buns in the city. This cafe is absolutely tiny, with only a few tables so it's best to get that pasty to go.
13-14 Margaret St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8RN
One you've sorted out a cinnamon bun then it's time to head to Oxford Circus. There's a ton of Scandi shops around here, from H&M and & Other Stories, to soon to be open Arket. But my favourite is the Republic of Fritz Hansen, tucked away on the back streets behind Topshop. This Danish furniture design company has stores all over the world but I believe London shop was the first. You'll find all your classic Danish designs in here, from the Arne Jacobsen Egg, Swan and Series 7 chairs, to the Hans Wegner Wishbone chair. I treat this shop as a Danish design museum because I sure as hell can't afford to buy anything here, but despite the lucrative price tags it's still thoroughly enjoyable to walk around, appreciating the timeless designs.
61 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7PP
The Scandinavian Kitchen is one of my favourite places for a casual lunch in central London. From the freshly made salads, to open sandwiches, and even the hots dogs, everything is delicious. Plus the cafe also has a Scandi supermarket at the back so you can stock up on dill chips, lingonberry jam, and pickled herring. It's here I pick up Swedish meatballs and beetroot salad if I fancy a Scandi dinner at home.
Skandium
86 Marylebone High Street, Marylebone, London W1U 4QS
Skandium is a subsidiary of the Republic of Fritz Hansen and one of my favourite Scandi related shops in London. Despite ridiculously expensive furniture, the shop also sells smaller interior pieces and accessories that are a little kinder on the wallet. It's also one of the few places I've found in London that sells HAY, plus it's Christmas shop is one of the most enchanting places in the city. Marylebone High Street is a bit of a hidden gem, there's a ton of great shops here but Scandium stands out thanks to its perfectly hygge interiors.
37B New Cavendish Street, Marylebone, London W1G 8JR
Nordic Bakery branches are situated all over London but the cafe around the corner from Skandium is a charming little spot for an afternoon pick me up. My go to order it the hot chocolate and mud pie but there's lots of things on offer from open sandwiches, salad, and cake.
30 Thayer Street, Marylebone, London W1U 2QP
If you can handle more food then the last place to visit on my Scandi day out is Tommi's for an Icelandic burger. There's a few of these scattered over the city and I usually visit the branch on the King's Road as it gives me time to get hungry again, but if you're hanging around central London then the Marylebone location is your best bet. Simple and tasty, these burgers are just the trick when you've had a long day in town. I normally got for a cheese burger with a side of fries and fizzy drinks for £10. Advertised as 'the deal of the century' you'd be hard pressed to find something similar.
If your Scandi search takes you further afield then there's plenty more places to look out for.
West London
Snaps and Rye (93 Golborne Rd, London W10 5NL) is the perfect location for an evening of fine Danish dining. With a weekly changing four course menu, this is a charming restaurant with that all important hygge vibe. Nearby Lisa's Bar and Kitchen (305 Portobello Road, London W10 5TD) is a cool, little bar that serves delicious Swedish meatballs. For delicious Swedish baked goods, be sure to check out Fabrique Bakery (212 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA). For stylish accommodation near the Scandi action, you might want to consider renting an apartment via Home From Home.
East London
Curious Yellow Kafe (77 Pitfield Street, London N1 6BT) is one of my favourite coffee shops, not only does it serve delicious Scandi inspired brunch and lunch, but it's cute yellow colour schemes gives it a really cosy vibe. In East London you'll also come across Chase and Sorensen (238B Dalston Lane, London, E8 1LQ) which is full of gorgeous, affordable, vintage Danish furniture.
South London
In south London you'll find Stockholm Restaurant and Deli (109 Sheen Lane, London SW14 8AE) where you can get the best Swedish meatballs in London, and nearby Totally Swedish (66 Barnes High St, London SW13 9LD) for all your Swedish supermarket needs. Grab a cup of perfect Swedish coffee from Hej Coffee (1 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN).
Bermondsey is home to The Finnish Church in London (33 Albion Street, London SE16 7JG) and The Norwegian Church and Seamen’s Mission (1, St. Olav Square, Albion Street, London SE16 7JB). Three times a year (spring, midsummer and Christmas), the street between the two churches shuts down to traffic for a Scandi themed market. Expect live music, Scandi food, and lots of cute stalls selling clothes and knick-knacks, I love it.
It's great to know that I don't have to fly two hours to Northern Europe to get my fix of Scandi life.If you have any more suggestions for Scandi things to do in London then please do let me know.
This is a collaborative post
This is amazing! I loved Snaps and Rye when we went for dinner there and the Curious Yellow Cafe was my (almost) local Scandi haunt - the avo on toast is such good value!
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