I can’t remember how the Nordic, London’s first Scandinavian Bar, ended up on my to eat at list but it certainly wasn’t what I was expecting. More bar than restaurant Rehana and I were the only ones here tonight who were having something to eat! Well, at the front of the bar anyway. In fact the bar staff couldn’t even find a menu for us when we first sat down!

It’s a pretty tiny space with about seven or so tables up front seating around 25 people, a bar and then a back area seating probably another 30 or so people it could easily get crowded. On a Wednesday night it was pretty quiet though there seemed to be a steady flow of people moving in and out of the place. You’ll find Christmas lights and evergreen branches/leaves, reindeer antlers, reindeer skin and reindeer pics surrounding you. Like timeout says its kind of kooky.

Drinks are reasonably priced and bar food extremely cheap. There are some Scandinavian food options featuring in the main meatballs, sausages and a load of potatoes. We started with “Deep fried Norwegian Jarlsberg Cheese served with lingonberry jam and soft arctic bread” and then followed with hot dogs each. The fries that came with the hot dog were actually pretty good and I quite enjoyed my hot dog but I can tell you right now that the food at this bar is not low-carb friendly! Surprisingly both of us were absolutely stuffed after our dinner but Rehana couldn’t resist the Snickers cheesecake. It was toooooo good.

Overall don’t come to the Nordic with any sort of expectations. I liked the atmosphere – it was quite relaxed and didn’t feel as hectic as many other London bars I’ve been to. Food isn’t exactly a posh but falls into the guilty pleasures category and is reasonably priced. I was expecting more really from the Scandinavian food above hotdogs, mash and meatballs but I guess you come here for the novelty more than a genuine Scandinavian experience.