Stockholm Syndrome Cafe Bar

SADLY STOCKHOM SYNDROME HAS CLOSED.

There’s nothing IKEA about this fabulous Swedish eatery, bar and sometime cabaret nestled in Albion’s historic mill precinct and that is part of its effusive charm.

The rustic brick feature walls of the double storey Victorian terrace shop have been stripped raw, the old timber floors polished and intimate dining spaces created using recycled doors. Meantime the nooks and crannies of the old terrace have been preserved and turned into micro lounges, drinking balconies and bar salons, all worth an exploratory visit (particularly the gorgeously styled lounge with fire place by the staircase).

Food wise, Swedish minimalism kicks in, with a pared back menu featuring 3 traditional Swedish dishes (meatballs with cream sauce, crisp-skinned salmon, or spinach lindstrom with artichoke) and 3 Mod-Oz dishes involving fish, chicken or steak. And less is definitely more, with all of them beautifully executed and with most mains hovering around $20, great value for the calibre of the food.

Again the wine list has a couple of offerings in the red or white camp, both quality and again reasonably priced, while service is attentive and low key.

But this is more than a cool dinner spot – it’s a chic and cosy drop-in place at any time of day – breakfast, lunch, a cocktail or coffee - for those who want an escape from the ordinary.