
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Niklas Ekstedt has brought his fire-powered Scandinavian vision to Westminster, and it’s a thrilling spectacle from the moment you step into the open kitchen. The space feels like a modern take on a Swedish forest lodge—warm wood, dried botanicals, and that ever-present glow of the wood-fired oven. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the chefs working over flames, plating dishes that feel both primal and refined. Skip the tourist traps and come for the oysters flambadou, the sourdough baked in the oven right before your eyes, and the cep soufflé that somehow tastes like chocolate and earth all at once. It’s not quite Michelin-starred yet, but it’s close enough to make you believe it’s only a matter of time.
Fire-Powered Scandinavian Dining with a Theatrical Edge
Ekstedt at The Yard is a bold experiment in fire-cooked Scandinavian cuisine, and it mostly lands with a thud of delight. The open kitchen is the star of the show—watching chefs wrestle with flames to cook oysters, beef, and even dessert is part of the experience. The food itself is inventive and often stunning: the oysters flambadou are a must-order, and the sourdough baked in the oven is a ritual in itself. The cep soufflé, with its chocolatey undertones, is a dessert that defies expectations. That said, the decor can feel a bit too “country pub” for a place serving such elevated fare, and the service, while friendly, doesn’t always match the ambition of the kitchen. Still, it’s one of London’s most memorable dining experiences this year.