I have visited every Nordic capital city and have found each destination completely enchanting. Most recently I flew to Stockholm for the second time to discover more of Sweden, a beautiful country with exceptional cuisine, unique local designers and beguiling wilderness. I wanted to share a few of my favourite secrets of this city with you…
Food
Swedish cuisine is becoming more and more popular internationally; I’ve spotted several fika and pickling restaurants popping up in London recently. Though these imitations are often delicious, the most authentic dishes are still found in Sweden. On the 24th June, Swedes celebrate Midsummer Day with a feast including, of course, the famous traditional dish of pickled herring and potatoes, a dish I tried in a few restaurants. For an extra special occasion I recommend heading to Gastrologik for an imaginative meal made from the finest local and seasonal ingredients. This pioneering restaurant was opened in 2011 by the talented chefs, Jacob Holmstrom and Anton Bjuhr. In their kitchen they aim to make the most of Nordic ingredients by presenting food that is both stunning and delicious.
Hotel
Ett Hem is a different kind of hotel, in fact it is the most beautiful home you could ever wish to step foot in. This fairytale, boutique hotel has flourished under the interior expertise of Ilse Crawford. Indulgently luxurious but with plenty of character and charm, Ett Hem ensures guests feel totally at ease and relaxed wherever they are, whatever they are doing. With just 12 rooms you will always feel special staying at Ett Hem. Enjoy the perfectly designed bedrooms, or the communal downstairs spaces where guests are invited to eat freshly baked cake in the kitchen, peruse the books in the library or borrow a bike from the courtyard.
Design
The ‘Scandi-look’ is much admired by hip Londoners and the streets of Stockholm are filled with blonde beauties modelling minimalist style with graceful ease. There are plenty of Swedish highstreet designers to spend your pocket money on, COS is the shop that immediately comes to mind. Head to the edgier districts like Sodermalm, to discover brands like Stutterheim, who make classic raincoats in a range of colours. Be bold and pick a ‘dusty pink’ or ‘Stockholm yellow’, or simply stick to the Scandi uniform of black or charcoal. Striking and trendy, they will make you crave the wet weather like never before.
Once you are satisfied that you have covered the city, head out to the lesser-known areas of Sweden to discover the original hipsters who are quietly creating amazing things that you will be thrilled to discover.
Learn more about hipster Sweden here.
See more on Swedish food here: