Cafe society: Bjorn again cuisine

The Swedes have made designs on our homes and now they have got designs on our stomachs. Nikki Spencer reports

According to Christian Sandefeldt, who runs The Aquarium by St Katherine's Dock - "a seafood restaurant with a Scandinavian approach" - more and more people are discovering the delights of Swedish food.

"People, particularly here near The City, want to try something a bit new," he explains. "It is probably a bit more spicy [than English food], but it's not too exotic."

Meanwhile, just off Baker Street, wedged between The Swedish Church and The Swedish Embassy, lies London's first Swedish Shop, Swedish Affar, opened last year by Carolina Bohman and her friend Cheresia Jansson Lynch. After four years in this country they missed Swedish food so much that they decided to start selling it themselves.

"Because of places like IKEA, people now know about meatballs and herring and gravadlax and want to try it," says Carolina.

Aquarium Restaurant Ivory House, St Katherine-by-the-Tower, E1 (0171- 480 6116). Main courses from pounds 11

Anna's Place 90 Mildmay Park, N1 (0171-249 9379). Anna has retired but former chef, Patrick Schyun and Magnus Falk have taken over. Starters from pounds 5.50, main courses from pounds 9.80

Garbo's 42 Crawford Street, W1 (0171-262 6582). Featuring daily Smorgasbord (Swedish buffet)

Swedish Affar 32 Crawford St, W1 (0171-224 9300). Also sells Swedish drinks, magazines and baby clothes

Scandelicious! High St, Aldeburgh, Suffolk (01728 452880) Deli and cafe offering delicacies such as smoked elk and eel