I went to IKEA’s new two-storey high street restaurant – it’s perfect for parents and prices start from 50p

WHEN most people hear the name IKEA, they probably think of flat-pack furniture rather than food.

But the Swedish retailer has now dipped its foot further into the hospitality sector with the opening of its first standalone restaurant in the UK.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker visited the new IKEA restaurant in west LondonCredit: Peter Jordan

The restaurant is littered with IKEA-themed English and Swedish messagesCredit: Peter Jordan

Customers are served their order at counters at the back of the restaurantCredit: Peter Jordan

The 300-square-metre site on busy King Street in Hammersmith, London, was teeming with life when I visited this week, despite opening just last month.

More than 30 staff now work in the restaurant, with enough seating for 75 people across two storeys, which are fronted with floor-to-ceiling glass panels.

Riccardo Minino, commercial manager for IKEA London City, said the west London site was chosen because of its proximity to the high street and local community.

This follows other moves by IKEA in recent years to open more compact "XS Stores" located on high streets rather than its traditional larger sites on the outskirts of towns and cities.

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Inside Ikea’s first standalone restaurant on busy high street

"We have families and elderly people from different backgrounds coming in," Riccardo said.

"It’s a mixed social space where people can integrate together."

The restaurant lends itself to being a space that's suitable for all demographics in practice.

There's free Wi-Fi available to customers, it's based right next to a packed shopping centre and there's self-serve coffee machines where you can pick up a cup for just 50p (if you're an IKEA Family member).

There is also wheelchair access across the whole restaurant, and one tucked away corner with a microwave where parents can heat up their kids' food, if they don't fancy anything on the menu.

The restaurant feels like a fast food spot, but without the noise and hustle and bustle associated with a McDonald's or Burger King.

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The first sight that greets you as you step inside the restaurant is three self-service screens where you order your food.

After ordering, you receive a number which is called out by staff members at counters ahead of you for you to collect.

There is also a chilled section on the right hand side offering customers everything from soft drinks to cold desserts.

Those after a coffee can serve themselves from the machines on the left of the restaurant next to a set of stairs.

New IKEA store opening

IKEA is opening a new store in spring 2025.

A new shop in Churchill Square, Brighton, will replace the former Debenhams, which has been empty since 2021.

The retailer has been moving way from big warehouse stores in recent years and has been targeting smaller plots in city centres.

It has already got a smaller shop in Hammersmith and has unveiled plans for a shop on London's Oxford Street, replacing Topshop's flagship store.

What's on the menu?

Foodies can choose from a host of cold dishes including cured salmon with a mustard, lemon and dill sauce for £3.50.

There's also a shrimp and egg open sandwich for the same price that I had a chance to try.

All the ingredients tasted super fresh and the soft doughy bread was a highlight.

One gripe would be that the mayonnaise on top was a touch gloopy, but for £3.50 I couldn't really complain.

You can also get a marinated salmon wrap and Indian summer salad for £2.95 from the chilled section.

The children's menu consists of meatballs with mash and peas, as well as four vegetarian plantballs with mash and peas for £1.95.

But those on a bit more of a budget can get a tomato sauce and pasta sauce for just 95p.

Adults can also get the classic meatball dish, which comes with peas, cream sauce and lingonberry jam for £5.50.

I also got to try this, with the salty meatballs pairing nicely with the sweet jam, creamy mash and sauce.

Or there is salmon fillet with bean mix, mashed potatoes and a lemon and dill sauce for £6.95.

If you're after a quick bite, you can snap up a hot dog for 85p or vegetable hot dog for just 60p.

Served until 11am, there is also a breakfast menu to pick from, including a small or large cooked breakfast which comes with bacon, sausage, hash brown, omelette, baked beans and tomato.

Those looking for a quick caffeine fix can get a cup of coffee for 50p, if signed up to IKEA Family, or £1.25 if you're not signed up to the loyalty scheme.

There is also soft serve ice cream on the menu for 75p.