Christoff.ai

Söderberg

cafes and bakeries•
London
London

Söderberg

36 Berwick Street, London W1F 8RR, England. Nearest tube station is Oxford Circus.

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Berwick Street, this Swedish café-bar hybrid offers something rather clever: a dual personality that shifts from productive workspace to intimate music venue as the day unfolds. It's the sort of place that understands modern London life - where you might start with a laptop and cardamom bun, then find yourself lingering for Scandinavian cocktails and live tunes.

Söderberg: Where Swedish Hygge Meets Soho Hustle

A shape-shifting Scandinavian sanctuary that doubles as your daytime office and evening social spot

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Söderberg strikes that elusive balance between cozy intimacy and functional practicality. The space embodies those coveted Scandinavian vibes - think clean lines, comfortable seating, and that particular Nordic warmth that makes you want to settle in for hours. During the day, it hums with the gentle energy of remote workers tapping away on laptops, while evenings bring a more relaxed, social atmosphere enhanced by live music. The venue scores a solid 7.5 out of 10 for conversation-friendliness, suggesting it's neither library-quiet nor pub-loud - just right for both focused work and casual catch-ups. With an 8.0 flexibility score, the space adapts well to whatever you need from it, whether that's a solo study session or an impromptu evening out. The energy level sits at 6.5, indicating a pleasantly animated environment without being overwhelming.

Food & Drink

The Swedish menu centres around quality comfort food with Nordic flair. Their sourdough pizza appears to be a signature offering, alongside classic Scandinavian fare like open sandwiches, poached eggs, and waffles. The traditional cardamom buns are particularly noteworthy - these aromatic pastries are a proper Swedish staple that most London cafés don't attempt. Coffee quality seems solid, befitting a proper Scandinavian café culture. However, I must note that consumer reviews present a mixed picture, with particular mention of portion sizes being smaller than expected. The evening transformation brings Scandinavian-inspired cocktails, suggesting they've put thought into creating a cohesive Nordic drinking experience. While the cakes receive praise in reviews, there are some concerns about overall food value that potential visitors should consider.

Service & Experience

This is where Söderberg shows some inconsistency, according to available feedback. While the venue clearly caters well to remote workers with reliable wifi, power outlets, and a welcoming environment for solo diners, consumer reviews specifically mention mixed experiences with service quality. The staff seem to understand the digital nomad crowd - they've created a space that genuinely works for extended laptop sessions without making you feel rushed. However, the criticism around service quality suggests this isn't always executed flawlessly. For a venue that positions itself as both a productive workspace and evening social spot, consistent service becomes particularly important.

Value for Money

At price level 1 out of 4, Söderberg positions itself as an accessible option, though the reality appears more nuanced. The pricing reflects its Soho location near Oxford Circus, where even 'affordable' venues carry London premiums. The mixed reviews specifically mention concerns about portion sizes relative to pricing, suggesting that while the prices might seem reasonable on paper, the actual value proposition could feel disappointing. For remote workers, the value equation includes factors like wifi quality, comfortable seating, and the ability to linger - areas where Söderberg seems to deliver well. The dual café-bar concept potentially offers better value if you're planning to transition from day drinking coffee to evening cocktails.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are ideal for remote work sessions, given the opening hours of 8am-6:30pm Monday-Friday. Weekend hours are more limited (9am-6:30pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday), so plan accordingly. For the evening bar experience with live music, arrive closer to the later opening hours when the venue transforms its atmosphere.

What to Focus On

Start with the cardamom buns - they're a proper Swedish specialty that showcases the venue's Nordic credentials. The sourdough pizza appears to be a signature dish worth trying. For drinks, focus on their Scandinavian-inspired cocktails in the evening. Coffee quality seems solid for daytime visits.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Bring your laptop charger even though they have power outlets - it's always wise to be prepared for extended sessions. The venue works particularly well for the 'double XP' approach: arrive for productive daytime work, then stay for the evening music sessions to maximize your experience. Given the mixed reviews about portion sizes, consider this more as a atmospheric workspace with decent food rather than a destination for hearty meals.

The Final Verdict

Söderberg succeeds at being something genuinely useful in modern London - a space that adapts to your daily rhythm rather than forcing you to adapt to it. The Swedish concept feels authentic rather than gimmicky, and the dual café-bar personality addresses a real need for venues that work across different parts of your day. However, the mixed reviews around service and portion sizes suggest this isn't a flawless execution. It's best approached as a atmospheric workspace with the bonus of evening entertainment, rather than a destination for exceptional food or service. The location near Oxford Circus adds convenience, and the Scandinavian touches provide enough character to distinguish it from generic café-bars.

Christoff's Rating:
6.8/10

Perfect For:

Remote workers and digital nomads seeking a reliable daytime workspaceAnyone wanting to experience authentic Swedish café culture in central LondonPeople looking for a venue that transitions from productive day sessions to relaxed evening socializing

Quick Details

1

Söderberg

⭐️ Swedish transformation
⭐️ Dual experience
🎵 Live music evenings
⭐️ Hygge atmosphere
⭐️ All day evolution

This Swedish café transforms throughout the day from Nordic breakfast spot to wine bar with live music, creating dual experiences that adapt to your changing work needs. Classic Swedish fare includes sourdough pizza, open sandwiches, and traditional cardamom buns alongside quality coffee during daytime hours. The evening transformation into cocktail bar with Scandinavian-inspired drinks and live music provides natural transition from work to social time. Remote worker-friendly infrastructure includes comfortable seating, reliable WiFi, and power outlets positioned for laptop sessions. The Berwick Street location near Oxford Circus provides central access with Swedish hygge atmosphere that contrasts the surrounding urban intensity. Mixed reviews suggest inconsistent service quality, but the unique dual concept attracts digital nomads seeking spaces that evolve with their daily rhythms.

What's Great

✓ Transforms from Swedish café to wine bar with live music creating dual experiences

✓ Remote work setup with reliable WiFi and power outlets perfect for digital nomads

Keep in Mind

× Mixed reviews mention inconsistent service quality and smaller portion sizes than expected

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Perfect for grinding during day then staying for evening music sessions - double experience value

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 8am-6:30pm, Sat: 9am-6:30pm, Sun: 10am-5pm"
📍36 Berwick Street, London W1F 8RR, England. Nearest tube station is Oxford Circus.
💷££

Featured In My Guides

Söderberg has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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