#37 A London Apéro Megalist
Guest Cristina, gives a big old cheers to bottle shops
Firstly - hope you all had brilliant Christmases, filled with deliciousness in the form of meals out and home cooked favourites. May it continue into the New Year, as like me, you try to tick off your wish-list.
Before I handover the reins to my food (and ‘drink’, in this case) partner in crime Mrs CSB, I’ve gotta give a shout out to my Mum, Sal Sesh, who not only is a regular reader, but pulled out the stops with a very thoughtful Christmas gift - my very own WFD voucher - so I can keep ticking my list off too(!)
I’ll keep you all updated on where we decide to use our voucher, but it feels right to choose one of the four she’s picks out. Friends of Ours, The Hero, Mauby or Quality Chop House - all excellent choices. Love ya, Mum (and Dad)!
Which leads me to our final edition of WFD for 2024, where Cristina (who you may remember gave us a guest post in July) is putting finger to keyboard to share the London bars she aims to be raising a glass (and a snack) over the coming months.
Cheers to that.
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CSB:
I’m currently sat at my dining table, it’s the 27th December and I’m immersed in that post Christmas, pre NYE limbo.
Naturally, I’m still stuffed from the past few days but I’ve somehow managed to put some Scampi Fries on a side plate and poured myself a glass of Crément Limoux.
It’s got me thinking, is there anything nicer than a little drink and a little snack? It’s something the Europeans have nailed for donkey’s years, but the UK has trailed behind. Thinly shaved cold cuts with a chilled red, gildas and a dirty martini, or the holy grail of bread, oil with a Provence Rosé.
This year however, I’ve noticed that neighbourhood bottle shops and delis have taken the reins and started to offer exactly what I’ve been looking for… a glass and a nibble.
I’m lucky enough to have some locals gems, Pantry in Forest Hill for the best value apéro in London, El Vermut in Nunhead for an unassuming almost kitch glass of vermouth and Drop in Dulwich where you’re warmly welcomed and expertly guided through their fantastic range of bottles.
So for this edition of Where’s for Dinner I wanted to focus on a shortlist of spots I plan on hitting up next year for exactly that:
1. Bar Bruno, Hackney
Found round the back of Victoria Park with well stocked shelves and rotating chef residencies. Grab a spot here.
2. Joyau, Forest Gate
It’s a bit of shlep, but I’ve been influenced by their Insta. Book your table here.
3. Westerns Laundry, Drayton Park
So I can dip my toe into their natural wine cellar (wish me luck, I’m more of a sulphites gal). Book here.
4. Lulu’s, Herne Hill
I’ve had their coffee, I’ve ogled their shelves, but 2025 will see me sitting myself there one evening. Booking here.
5. Little Duck The Picklery, Dalston
I confess is more of a restaurant than a bar, but had me at the word pickle.
Pickle yourself here.
6. Il Maremmano, Brixton
This looks to be a very good spot for an apéro which extends into the night. Book for aperitivo hour and enjoy two cocktails with a selection of three bar snacks for just £15.(Thursday - Saturday, 5pm - 6.30pm.)
7. Little Cellars, Camberwell
From the team behind Peckham Cellars which if you know, you know. Just a smaller version.
8. 107 Wine Shop & Bar (Formerly P.Franco), Clapton
On Lower Clapton Road whose plates are admittedly larger than a snack, but look outstanding. Check them out here.
So there you have it, I predict, 2025 will be the year of the apéro.
What’s “Where’s For Dinner?”
Every week I’ll be tempting you with where your next meal out could be - one in London, one in the UK, and one beyond. All places I want to try, but haven’t yet.I would love for you to subscribe (button below), so we can enjoy these places together. And if you have got any tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.
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