IKEA fans in the UK, get ready to celebrate! IKEA, the world-famous Swedish furniture brand, has now launched its very first restaurant on the UK high street. Located in Hammersmith, West London, this new spot is just next to IKEA’s updated local store, making it a go-to for people who love its unique, affordable food, especially those delicious Swedish meatballs.
A New Way to Enjoy IKEA Favorites
When most people think of IKEA, they think of stylish furniture and affordable home goods. But let’s be honest – another reason people flock to IKEA is for the food, especially those iconic meatballs. Typically, these meatballs have been a treat found only in IKEA’s in-store restaurants, but now, that’s all changing. With this new restaurant, you don’t need to plan a full shopping trip to enjoy a bite of IKEA’s classic dishes. Just stop by the new Hammersmith location for a tasty, convenient meal on the high street.
What’s on the Menu?
The IKEA restaurant in Hammersmith has room for 75 diners and offers a cozy place to enjoy classic Swedish meals. On the menu are, of course, IKEA’s signature meatballs. For just £4.95, you can enjoy eight juicy meatballs served with mashed potatoes, cream sauce, peas, and lingonberry jam – a sweet berry sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors.
There are also options for those who prefer plant-based dishes. IKEA’s plant balls, which look and taste much like their famous meatballs, are also served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, priced at £4.95. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, they have battered cod and chips for that classic British flavor, as well as pasta with tomato sauce for kids.
Breakfast on a Budget
One of the most exciting parts of this new restaurant is the breakfast options. IKEA has introduced a bargain breakfast that starts at just £2.75! For this price, you get a classic breakfast with bacon, sausage, a hash brown, omelette, baked beans, and a tomato. If you’re looking for a larger meal, there’s also a nine-piece breakfast for £3.75, which includes two slices of bacon, two sausages, two hash browns, an omelette, baked beans, and a tomato. With prices this low, breakfast at IKEA could become a new favorite for early risers in the area.
A New Kind of Fika
Sweden has a tradition called “fika” – a coffee break paired with a sweet treat, often enjoyed with friends or family. IKEA’s new restaurant brings this cultural gem to London’s high street, so shoppers can now enjoy a cozy fika experience without heading to an IKEA warehouse. Imagine relaxing with a cup of coffee and a slice of Daim cheesecake or a cinnamon bun as you take a break from the bustling streets.
IKEA’s Plan for Expansion
The new high street restaurant is just one part of IKEA’s larger plan to make its brand more accessible to people in urban areas. In recent years, IKEA has been shifting its focus towards smaller, city-friendly store formats. They’ve been opening “planning studios” and “order-and-collection points” across major cities, allowing shoppers to browse ideas and order items without visiting a massive warehouse.
In addition to the Hammersmith restaurant, IKEA is also working on a huge new store on Oxford Street, located in the former Topshop flagship building. Ingka Investment, the investment arm of IKEA’s parent company, bought this historic building with plans to turn it into a top-tier IKEA location. However, the renovation has turned out to be a bit more complex than expected, and the store’s opening has been delayed until spring 2025. Despite these challenges, IKEA is committed to making this location a reality, giving central London a convenient spot for all its IKEA needs.
Why Londoners Love IKEA Food
For many people, IKEA’s food offerings have always been a major highlight of their shopping trips. Whether it’s grabbing a plate of meatballs after a long day of browsing or taking home a pack of frozen treats to enjoy later, IKEA has a special way of blending delicious food with an affordable price.
Matthew Gould, the Market Manager for IKEA London City, shared his excitement for the new restaurant. “We know how much our customers love the IKEA restaurant, and we’re thrilled to open our very first high street location,” he said. “Fans of our delicious dishes can recharge with our famous Swedish meatballs, enjoy a traditional fika, or find an affordable meal for the kids right on the high street.”
IKEA’s Journey in the UK
IKEA has come a long way in the UK. Starting with a few massive warehouse stores in locations outside the city center, the brand has been steadily working its way into urban neighborhoods. Opening this restaurant is a big step in that direction, allowing the brand to stay connected to its customers in a more accessible way.
By bringing the taste of Sweden to London’s high street, IKEA hopes to connect with customers in a fresh, approachable way. The restaurant’s layout combines IKEA’s signature cozy Scandinavian design with practical seating, creating a space that feels both functional and welcoming. It’s an opportunity for Londoners to experience IKEA’s food in a new setting – one that’s just as warm and friendly as their in-store dining areas.
Affordable Dining for Everyone
One of IKEA’s main goals with this new restaurant is to keep prices affordable. With breakfast options starting at £2.75 and main meals at £4.95, IKEA is making sure that a good meal doesn’t have to break the bank. And with a variety of options for kids, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The restaurant’s pricing reflects IKEA’s commitment to offering good value, not just in furniture but also in food. This means that people from all walks of life can come together and enjoy a hearty, affordable meal in a comfortable space.
The Future of IKEA’s High Street Dining
The opening of IKEA’s first high street restaurant is likely just the beginning. As the brand continues to expand and adapt to changing customer needs, there may be more high street restaurants opening in other UK cities. For now, Londoners can enjoy this new spot and all the delicious, wallet-friendly meals it has to offer.
Whether you’re a fan of IKEA’s meatballs, looking for an affordable breakfast, or simply curious to try a Swedish fika, this restaurant has something special for you. So next time you’re in Hammersmith, make sure to stop by for a taste of IKEA’s Swedish charm right in the heart of London!