New York’s best-loved nordic restaurant comes to London

This winter, renowned New York nordic restaurant Aquavit will open in the stunning new St James’s Market redevelopment on 1 Carlton Street. The restaurant has been brought to the UK by Philip Hamilton, CEO and founder of Aquavit London, and will offer all-day dining, showcasing the very best of contemporary nordic cuisine and design.

The menu will be overseen by Emma Bengtsson, executive chef of the two Michelin-starred Aquavit New York, and will be executed by head chef Henrik Ritzen (formerly of The Dover Street Arts Club, La Petite Maison and Lutyens).

Taking its inspiration from New York, but with a more relaxed and informal setting, Aquavit London will deliver an authentic, contemporary take on nordic dining, serving accessible cuisine that honours fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and nordic-inspired dishes. The menu will constantly evolve in tune with the changing seasons of the region and will include dishes such as Butter-poached Cod with Fennel Aioli and Salt-baked Celeriac Root and Seared Duck Breast with Pickled Quince and Buckwheat Porridge, as well as classic nordic choices such as Toast Skagern.

The expansive dining space will be designed to showcase celebrated nordic designers in a welcoming, informal environment. Overseen by the design studio of Swedish-born Martin Brudnizki, whose portfolio includes The Ivy, Scott’s and Sexy Fish, Aquavit London will have a laid-back yet sophisticated feel. An exquisite, original, wall-mounted textile designed by Olafur Eliasson will be a centrepiece, alongside silverware from Georg Jensen, uniforms by Swedish clothing company Filippa K, and furnishings designed by Svensk Tenn. Every detail of Aquavit London will come together to exude a contemporary nordic aesthetic.

Speaking about the new restaurant, executive chef Emma Bengtsson said: “I cannot imagine a more exciting city than London to make us another home. The London culinary scene is one of the most vibrant in the world and I am thrilled that Aquavit will be part of that community.” Philip Hamilton, CEO of Aquavit London, said: “Since living in London I have been struck by how much Britain has embraced nordic culture, and with the opening of Aquavit I am excited to be part of the creation of a place where Londoners and Scandinavians alike can come together to enjoy the very best of this region”.

At Aquavit London, the inventive menu and intelligent design will create an original nordic dining experience in one of London’s most exciting redevelopments this year.

The editorial unit
Photos: Aquavit New York

Aquavit London opens this winter at No 1 St James’s Market 1 Carlton Street London SW1Y 4QQ, for further information visit here.