Like most Brits I’ve always wanted a slice of that good life and one way we’re doing this is through food. Last month The Ocelot were invited to Skogen Kitchen - seemingly the perfect balance of Brit life immersed in Scandinavian culture - to try out the latest foodie offering from Oxford. Tucked away on St Edward Street lies Skogen - everything about this place from the minimal cosy interior, to the delicate canapes being brought around was crisp, clean and delicate. One thing I clocked immediately was the various chalk boards teasing the current menu and specials - this signified to me that the menu is fresh and seasonal, and you could taste this in the food from the homemade Swedish meatballs to the glorious little waffles and open sandwiches floating around - think pickled veg and rich meats. The food itself felt comforting but not grossly filling, - there was no food overload, just a feeling of contentment in the best kind of way - and all very in tune with hygge. The canapes boasted delicate and intricate flavours - everything that’s been added creates a balance in the texture of the food. True to Scandi culture it appeared all very minimal with more to it than meets the eye - it’s small and specialist which makes for the perfect café. As I found out ‘Skogen’ translates to ‘the forest’ in English and this is very much felt by the combination of the cool interior and earthy menu - and, yes, there is literally a forest painted on the walls for those not as acute, or Swedish. I see myself returning promptly to Skogen Kitchen this autumn, wrapped up in a woolly jumper, literally enjoying a Skogen Smörgåsbord with (most likely) a carafe of that Parlez-Vous Malbec. [gallery td_gallery_title_input=“Skogen ” td_select_gallery_slide=“slide” ids=“41451,41449,41450,41448,41447”] Visit skogen.kitchen