Sweden: The Pipeline

If, like me, your only brush with Sweden has been a trip to Ikea, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that there is more to Sweden than never ending queues and flat-packed furniture.

The Pipeline is a Swedish rock bar near Liverpool Street with a wide range of Swedish and Scandinavian booze and nice selection of Swedish pub grub. The big airy interior is popular with an eclectic clientele, drawn by the pool tables, pinball machines and friendly and attentive staff.

The short menu features all of the Swedish staples; pickled herring, Toast Skagen, salmon, traditional apple cake and the Ikea favorites Swedish meatballs (or 'Köttbullar') served with homemade mashed potato, creamy gravy and traditional Lingonberry jam on the side (£9).

Owned by 'the happiest Swede in London' (who is usually found serving drinks behind the bar with his happy Swedish staff), The Pipeline is an excellent place to spend a few hours winding down after work and draws many customers from the surrounding offices. Rock fans also favour this haunt, as does the occasional trendy type from near by Shoreditch and a smattering of Swedes and Nordics looking for a taste of home.

The bar is well stocked with unusual drinks including Nordic region spirits that will make your eyes water and a good collection of single malts. But don't over do it - the house rule is 'If you puke, you clean'.

Address: The Pipeline, 94 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7DA
Telephone: 020 7377 6860
Opening Hours: Mon - Wed noon till Midnight, Thur- Fri noon till 1am, Sat 4 pm till 1am, Sunday: Closed

Tube: Liverpool Street (Central, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith and City, National Rail) and Aldgate (Metropolitan, Circle)


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