Saltsjöbaden gets a new fine dining restaurant
Saltsjöbaden gets a new fine dining restaurant
Inauguration of Villa Skärtofta 2024
This year, Vår Gård celebrates 100 years as a hotel and conference destination in Saltsjöbaden. The anniversary year began in February with a grand opening of Villa Skärtofta, John Bernström's old private residence and the Cooperative Association's student housing, which is now being transformed into a fine restaurant with Italian influences. A project that has grown since the dream was brought to life in the spring of 2021.
This year, Vår Gård celebrates 100 years as a hotel and conference destination in Saltsjöbaden. The anniversary year began in February with a grand opening of Villa Skärtofta, John Bernström's old private residence and the Cooperative Association's student housing, which is now being transformed into a fine restaurant with Italian influences. A project that has grown since the dream was brought to life in the spring of 2021.
A vision becomes reality
It was in the spring of 2021 that the dream of a fine dining restaurant in Saltsjöbaden came to life. Liam Ginnane, now F&B Manager at Vår Gård , saw the potential in Villa Skärtofta – a private residence with battlements and towers, 20 minutes from Stockholm City and in the middle of the archipelago.
During the autumn of 2023, Villa Skärtofta underwent an intensive transformation. Until the end of the year, an experimental phase was underway where guests could test parts of the menu and restaurant concept. It was also an important period for the kitchen and service to be able to interact and deliver a world-class experience.
Picture below: Team Villa Skärtofta with CEO Kadi Upmark in the middle
High ambitions with fine dining and an interior that seduces
Villa Skärtofta has high ambitions in terms of menu, service and interior design. Liam Ginnane, Food & Beverage Manager at Vår Gård . A new international chef is being hired to create an extraordinary taste experience. Under the leadership of chef John Bråsth, chefs have been recruited from Italy and together with Vår Gård 's sommelier, they have created a fixed menu with perfectly matched drinks.
Every detail has been honed to give our guests an unforgettable gastronomic experience. John Bråsth has lived and worked in Italy for 11 years, which has given him extensive knowledge of Italian cuisine and a solid insight into the gastronomic differences that distinguish the different provinces. The flavors are expected to consist of a mix between Swedish and Italian cuisine, through locally produced ingredients according to season.
Brand expert Elin Lervik was also hired to create an inviting and contemporary atmosphere. The beautiful building, which was built in 1897 with a beautiful interior of wooden panels, columns and ceiling paintings, was given new life this autumn through a tasteful addition of modern art and design. The aim was to create a high comfort factor where homely comfort meets historical elegance. A holistic experience to attract both local and visiting visitors who appreciate fine dining and culture at a high level.
Picture below: The living room adjacent to the restaurant