Open Tue–Sat 8am–6pm; Sun 10am–6pm; Fridays for FishFriday* 6.30pm–9pm
Located on the doorstep of north Notting Hill’s bustling weekend street market, London’s only Danish café is a perfect fit for the charming, cosmopolitan area. Owners Jacqueline and Kell Skött, of the nearby award-winning hair salon, have brought their personal touch to the simple and beautiful Scandi-styled space (which includes Louis Poulsen hanging lamps).
Jacqueline greeted us on arrival and Kell later emerged from the kitchen while I sampled the yummy homemade rye-bread-infused aquavit (£4). ‘He’s the perfect husband—he does hair and can cook,’ my friend enthused. He’s also a keen photographer; some of his images of the Norfolk coast adorn the walls.
British chef Tania Steytler uses the freshest ingredients for her take on Denmark’s famous open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød). My warm mushroom, almond and pistachio paté on toasted rye with asparagus and a (Clarence Court, naturally) poached egg (£10) was superb, while my friend quickly demolished his ‘Sun Over Golborne’ (£10), a prettily presented smoked mackerel, egg yolk, pickled beetroot, caper berries and radish.
Any previous apricot Danish pastry I’ve had paled in comparison to the version I was served with almond-baked custard pudding and hot cream (£5). ‘Sorry—I forgot to offer a taste of mine,’ my friend said after finishing his homemade strawberry cheesecake (£5). Not that I had any intention of sharing my dessert, either.
Service is lovely, there’s a good beer and wine list, plus a shop with offerings including Danish artisan jams, honey, mustards and, of course, the Danes’ favourite sweet, liquorice.
If you live locally, I’m sure you’ve already visited S+R. If you don’t live locally, it’s worth the trip.
Snaps + Rye, 93 Golborne Road, London, W10; 020 8964 3004; www.snapsandrye.com
*Check website for details
