THEY’RE frequently touted as the world's happiest nation, despite one of the highest tax rates and sub-zero winter temperatures. Perhaps it’s something to do with being hardy Viking descendants, known for quaffing large amounts of alcohol. And, of course, hygge; the latest ‘cosy’ lifestyle craze spawning a flurry of coffee table tomes from opportunistic wellness gurus.
Karen is one of only two UK bakers to specialise in Kransekage, a traditional almond cake often used for weddings
Little wonder, then, we want some of what they’re having: from the premium gadgets of Bang & Olufsen to the silver charms of Pandora - and, of course, the open sarnies and pastries that so influence their cuisine. Now, Chorlton is set to get in on the action, with new cafe Velbekomme (a Danish word that loosely means ‘bon appetit’ or ‘you’re welcome’) joining nearby newly opened boutique OBJECT in the Scandification of Manchester's most Guardian-ised borough.
Smørrebrød, those aforementioned topless sandwiches, will form the heart of the menu; with fillings from pickled herring and prawns to meats, cheeses and daily vegan alternatives. There will also be hot food including hotdogs, meatballs and breaded fish - along with hot and cold breakfasts, from healthier options to classic bacon butties. The menu is to change regularly according to seasonal produce, melding Skandi specialities with ‘more contemporary and local flavours.'
Left Media designed the branding, which includes a sharing board motif
The old Cellar Key site and a woman with no face (Google Street)Siblings Martin and Karen Nash are behind the new opening at 495 Barlow Moor Road (the former Cellar Key site), having been raised in the UK by a Danish mother. Growing up immersed in Scandinavian food culture, Martin says ‘it has been a dream of ours for over a decade to bring our love of this cuisine to a larger market.’
Karen has been a baker for many years and is one of only two UK bakers to specialise in Kransekage, a traditional Danish and Norwegian almond cake often used for weddings. Velbekomme visitors can hence expect a good selection of fresh cakes based on the premises.
2 MORE CHORLTON OPENINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT...
HENRY C's - a new 'cocktail cafe' which has just opened at 107 Manchester Road, serving coffee, booze and New Orleans po' boys (which is another word for sandwich).
LA CASITA - These Mexican street food traders have grown-up and gone bricks n mortar at 372 Barlow Moor Road, serving beer, tacos, burritos and probably tequila.
Of choosing Chorlton, Martin told us: “No other place in Manchester is so perfectly suited to casual European-style dining. The leafy roads and ample outside seating blend the retail environment into the community in a really nice manner.
"We looked at several other locations and none quite offered the variety of customers eager to try new things and the strong sense of community that is important to Scandinavians and locals alike.”
But will it be hygge?
“Hygge (or to be ‘hyggelige’) is bandied around a lot - to us it’s about comfort, relaxation and the ability to shrug off the cares of the day," says Martin. "We certainly hope that to our customers we will be a hyggelige location. But we will also be a perfect spot for a coffee over work, or just a chat to friends”.
Velbekomme will open at 495 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester M21 8AG.
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