There’s only one reason we at Secret Manchester go to IKEA – and it’s not primarily for the cheap-as-chips decor. Nope. Our biggest goal is hot-footing it to the restaurant through the maze of flatpack furniture to get our fill of Swedish meatballs and gravy. And always with a side of Daim cake. It’s sacrilege otherwise, I don’t care what you say.
And while we definitely adore or bi-annual visit to Ashton-under-Lyne, city centre dwellers no longer need to haul ass on the tram to the other side of Manny, thanks to new bar-on-the-block Lättsam.
Officially reopening its doors just this week, Lättsam brings Scandi-vibes to the city by the bucket load with bright, happy, minimal decor – along with Swedish meatballs that sure as hell rival those you’ll find at IKEA.
Handmade in their Spring Gardens-based kitchen with fresh beef and pork, the tasty meatballs are made using a classic Swedish family recipe, with a side of gravy or house jam to accompany. Just as the Swedes do. Served up in a stylish enamel mug, the tasty meatballs accompany a tasty menu of Nordic-inspired brunch dishes – which includes the likes of Prawn Skagen, smoked salmon, rostis, pastries and more.
Specialising in an impressive roster of craft beers from both Scandinavia and Manchester, the local Lättsam brews of which are created with the help of Cheetham Hill’s Beatnikz Republic, the all-day bar is the perfect spot to perch up with your laptop if you’re lucky enough to work remotely, with tons of plug sockets (music to my ears!), coffee from Grindsmith and a laid-back atmosphere to take in that translates well for both brunch and lunch, as well as post-work cocktails. Expect classics such as the Negroni, Espresso Martini, Margarita and more, alongside a menu of summer-worthy spritzes.
Unfortunately Lättsam, which was located at 55 Spring Gardens, M2 2BY is now closed.