Madsen - South Kensington

Madsen is a new venture on Old Brompton Road, South Kensington from Charlotte Krus Madsen, this aptly named restaurant serves up genuine Scandinavian food in a genuine Scandinavian setting of white colour schemes, exposed brick and pale wood floors, with glass doors opening onto a streetside patio.

The food is straightforward and seasonal, varying from colourful summer salads (often involving herrings) to stomach-filling, slow-cooked winter dishes such as pig's cheeks in Danish lager with parsley. Also on offer might be smoked duck with pickled pumpkin, toasted almonds and chervil oil, pearl barley risotto, and salmon with braised fennel and carrot purée, plus desserts ranging from 'æblekage' (stewed apples in layers with Amaretti and whipped cream) to chocolate cake with hazelnut mayonnaise.

During the week, South Ken workers and shoppers call in for all manner of smørrebrød (Danish open sandwiches) with myriad colourful toppings on rye or sourdough bread. Weekends bring a full brunch served from noon to 4.00pm and it's a great social get-together with family and friends. To go with the food, there are classic Scandinavian tipples, plus a short list of European wines.