I don’t like buffets and I didn’t like herring but all that changed on a recent trip to Stockholm.

The Verandan restaurant at The Grand Hotel is a bright and cheerful room overlooking the water with equally cheerful people serving and guiding you through the original smorgasbord.  1st up start with a plate of herring some crisp bread and cheese.  I was told that the herring was best with a shot of house made snaps – 1874 Grand Aquavit, flavoured with cumin, anise and fennel and followed with a local lager.  Save room for the salmon, potatoes and meatballs.  Plan to spend some time.  Drink more Aquavit.  You’ll love Stockholm.