5 New Bars To Try This Month
The Nook, Islington
The Nook Deli & Wine Bar is a new spot from husband and wife Lale and Angus Oztek-Pook, who’ve both previously worked at Allbright, The Mash Inn, Arthur Hooper’s, Bernardi’s and Kyseri. Serving sustainable modern European dishes with a Turkish twist, The Nook sources produce from across the British Isles and Mediterranean, showcasing the best independent producers. The opening wine list champions London urban winery Renegade alongside a mix from across Georgia, Armenia, Italy, France, Austria and Spain. The affordable pouring selection includes eight white and red wines, plus a smaller amount of rosé and orange wine, all which will rotate. Designed to be paired with the all-day menu, a small selection of craft beers will be updated regularly. We also love that Angus will be selling a small selection of records from independent labels from the store. Once restrictions have lifted, music events will also be on the cards.
220 St Paul’s Road, Islington, N1 2LL
Visit TheNookLondon.co.uk
Bar Bolivar, Canary Wharf
Bar Bolivar is a new Havana-inspired bar from the founders of Portuguese chicken restaurant Casa Do Frango. Inspired by the decadence of 1950s Cuba, the bar embraces the spirit of celebration and is named after the South American revolutionary – and inspiration for Bolivar Cigars – Simón Bolívar. Alongside an extensive cocktail list, including South American-inspired cocktails such as ‘The Hemingway Highball’ and ‘The Gin Malecon’, the new space will nod to Cuba and Venezuela by serving up vibrant dishes from Venezuelan traders Pabellón, winners of the British Street Food Awards in 2019. Décor includes a suitcase-cladded staircase, indoor fountains, tropical plants and walls filled with vintage photos of Cuban icons – all adding to the sense of place.
2 Reuters Plaza, Canary Wharf, E14 5AJ
Visit BarBolivar.co.uk
Silver Lining, Hackney
Thwarted by the pandemic, Silver Lining opened in July as an orange wine shop. This month, it belatedly widened its doors to take its rightful place as the UK’s first orange wine bar. Guests can choose from more than 50 orange wines (aka white wines that have had the grape skins left on and thus taken on bolder flavours and a more amber hue), served alongside a menu of classic French dishes made with ingredients sourced hyper-locally – look out for the duck rillettes and saucisson sec. We like the sound of ‘Orange Wednesdays’, a weekly promotion where customers will be able to choose from a selection of rotating orange wines for just £5 a glass. Right now, Silver Lining is open until 10pm Wednesday to Saturday and until 8pm on Sundays.
13 Morning Lane, Hackney, E9 6ND
Visit SilverLiningE9.com
Crossroads, Camden
Zero-waste principles are to the fore at neighbourhood bar Crossroads, but don’t get in the way of a fine cocktail menu. The bar is the creation of Bart and Monika Miedekza who’ve both worked at Dalston’s High Water, Vagabond and The Typing Room. Signature serves include ‘Remember The Name’ (a highball of cherry scotch, chinato and cherry soda), ‘Black Cardinal’ (a smoky negroni of gin, Campari and lapsang souchong tea) and ‘Pepper’ (an old fashioned-style cocktail of rye, black pepper and vetiver). Bar bites include the likes of homemade pickles, Nocellara del Belice olives and Mignonette pepper almonds, but the focus is really on the drinks here – there’s also a wine list full of small, independent producers.
Camden Road, Camden, NW1 9NN
Visit Crossroads.Bar
Black Book, Soho
Master sommeliers Gearoid Devaney and Xavier Rousset have joined forces to open Black Book, a Soho bar that uses Coravin devices to offer an extensive by-the-glass wine list that spans known classics to rare gems. Devaney and Rousset have tapped up industry pals and private collectors to be able to offer coveted vintages at below-average prices. Meanwhile, the kitchen delivers brasserie-style dishes such as roasted onglet with peppercorn and handcut chips; and courgette flowers with burrata, honey and truffle, with half a dozen Maldon rock oysters available as a decadent start to your evening. Opened with the aim of being a sophisticated late-night destination, Black Book is – obviously – open until 10pm for now.
23 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4RR
Visit BlackBookSoho.co.uk
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