Swedish Smorgasbord

Last week I had a the pleasure of being invited to a Swedish Smorgasbord lunch at AVEQIA, found on St Bride Street near Farringdon. On the 9th of April AVEQIA opened their doors to the public allowing them the opportunity to visit the kitchen studios and experience some fine Swedish cuisine.

AVEQIA run gastronomy courses for groups of people looking for a fun relaxed activity around gastronomy. People can get as involved in the cookery as they like or just sit back and watch with a glass of wine. The recent arrival of their Swedish Smorgasbord will be available during the afternoon for lunches in a sit down or take away format.

The Smorgasbord offers excellent value for money while providing something a little different for those in the area dining out for lunch.

The new Monday – Friday AVEQIA Smörgåsbord which will be available between 12noon and 3.00pm (*closed on Bank Holidays) is £25 per person and includes:
* Swedish Smörgåsbord
* Still or sparkling water
* Filter coffee or Tea from Dammann
* Selection of Swedish desserts
* One glass of AVEQIA house wine, beer or soft drink

Walking into the airy reception area, one receives a beverage of soft drinks, wine or beer, before selecting a choice of breads and fine cheese. Moving through to the main dining area one can hand pick from a selection of delicacies including Swedish mountain reindeer, gravlax and AVEQIA’s own recipe pickled herring to name few, all carefully prepared, smoked and cured to a taste sensation.

Founder David Berggren

Recipes are designed and ingredients selected by Roland Persson and David Berggren while Anders Ludvigsson is executive chef for the group making sure everything is just so in the kitchens.

The experience was delightful, with a very communal feel. I loved being able to hand pick what I wanted with the opportunity to go back for seconds or move on to dessert. The quality of food was excellent, being a lover of fish over any other meat, I found myself in my element and spoilt for choice. There were a number of cold and cooked meat dishes also available including the delicious reindeer although the fayre was predominantly fish.

The bar is also well stocked with a fine selection of high quality organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Throughout the month of April you may sample a selection of these chemical free Real Wines by the glass.

I’m very excited about AVEQIA and I have a feeling they will do well as the only Swedish Active Cooking venue in the city of London. For more information on AVEQIA check out their website.

If you make it along to their lunch time Smorgasbord or take part in one of their active cookery sessions please leave your comments below.