Only in the Södermalm
area of the stylish Swedish capital will you find a supermarket that you won’t
want to leave. The Swedes know how to make you salivate even before you’re
tempted to try the variety of tasters that ease into view. Organic grocery shopping
at it’s finest and hippest: enter The Urban Deli. The relaxed vibe of the carefree
crowd that spill onto the streets is only a teasing dip into the feel-good
atmosphere of the concrete and steel hangout, where a bar, café and food hall
become one.
The wait for a table
wont seem long enough to allow your eyes to feast across the fresh sourdough
bread that sit in the windows, luring in the latest flock of SoFo coolness. After
a copious amount of people watching, the laid- back Scandi blonde calls your
name off the rolled list, seating you under the hanging exposed bulbs. That is
unless you haven’t already grabbed a seat at the bar and started up a
conversation over a selection of deli plates.
There’s art on every wall and seemingly, every man: its as if
tattoo is an entry requirement. And with rolled up trousers exposing pastel
socks under every table, this spot is a true hipster haven. Order some chicken
wings and homemade chutney, with a parmesan salad and help yourself to the
salt-crusted hand cut chips. A fresh ginger and carrot juice on the side is
recommended, just so you really fit the scene.
Once you’ve exhausted your appetite and crowd watching
capabilities (not that it’s possible), the Nytorget square seeps you further
into the Södermalm culture,
carelessly enjoying the afternoon sun.
Grandpa is a no brainer if you do nothing else with your day. Selling
quirky drinking jars to Rock&Roll ‘Suicide’ face scrub, nothing in this
store is ordinary. The now familiar relaxed vibe of the area inspires the
homely interior, providing the background for the various stocked Swedish
labels that provide you with everything from homeware to gadgets for the easy,
local lifestyle. Well and truly within the arty kids playground you might be
lucky enough to stumble into a pop-up gallery across the street, showcasing the
latest doodles of the creative culture. And it would be rude to not indulge in
the caramel sensations of Parlans Konfektyr, where you can watch the various
bubbling pots create the artisanal sweets, boasting the traditional
craftsmanship of a Swedish delicacy.
Everything about this place seems effortless: you’ll leave with
a smile on your face, but it won’t be long before the ache to return sets in and
you’ll find yourself slipping back into the skulk of the Södermalm crowd.
