Forget flat-packs — Ikea’s famous meatballs take centre stage at new restaurant

Since Ikea first came to Warrington in 1987 Britons have not only come to embrace the Swedish company’s affordable flat-pack furniture but also the distinctive meatballs it serves. Indeed, so popular have they become that they are to get their own retail space in the capital.
The world’s biggest furniture retailer, which operates 21 stores in the UK employing nearly 12,000 people, said on Thursday that it will open its first standalone restaurant in Hammersmith, west London. The Ikea restaurant, located next to its recently revamped store, has been fitted out to seat 75 diners who will be served its famous meatballs and mash.
“We know how much our customers love the Ikea restaurant and we’re excited to celebrate the opening of our very first high street restaurant,” said Matthew Gould, market manager at Ikea London City.
“Fans of our delicious dishes can recharge during their shopping trip with our famous Swedish meatballs, pop in for a traditional Swedish ‘fika’ break for coffee and a sweet treat, or find an affordable meal for the kids right on the high street.”
The British division of Ikea reported total sales of £2.46 billion last year as operating profits rose to £111.2 million. It is due to open another store in the former Topshop site on London’s Oxford Street in spring 2025.
The company was founded by the late Ingvar Kamprad at the age of 17 in 1943, selling consumer goods such as pens and wallets in Smaland, southern Sweden.
As well as expanding its culinary offering, Ikea has also launched more than 100 mobile pick-up points at Tesco stores across the UK, with a further 100 planned, and two new city stores set to open on Oxford Street in London, and in Brighton.