03. 26. 2014
The Analogue Guide: 5 Clinks in London
Chim-Chimney Chim-Chimney Cin-Cin-Cheree! My pal Alana Stone, co-writer and editor of the acclaimed Analogue Guides, shares her top 5 spots in London to grab a good drink. The London guide is one of the latest editions of the Analogue Guide to hit the shelves, so of course I had to ask Alana for her picks. There are 3 very good reasons why she’s the go-to-gal here:
1. She’s spent loads of time in the royal city.
2. She’s a bona fide wino (that’s how we met- working together for a French wine importer).
3. She’s a top notch travel guide writer.
So… duh.
Here they are folks, Alana’s top 5 picks to wet your whistle across the Pond:
1. Sager + Wilde
Charlotte and Michael Sager-Wilde’s top notch wine bar lights up an otherwise nondescript section of the Hackney Road. The sophisticated oenological selection spans the globe, from California to Jerez. A sturdy assemblage of various meats and cheeses accompany the wines to perfection.
2. Sketch
Divided into five flamboyantly decorated dining rooms and bars, Sketch is more of an experience than a restaurant. From decadent afternoon tea at the front room Parlour to a multi-course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Lecture Room, the venue caters to every whim. The Gallery, Sketch’s brasserie, offers ever-changing installations by emerging artists to complement your French inspired meal. The bathrooms upstairs, consisting of retro-futuristic giant individual egg-like pods, are otherworldly.
3. Eyre Brothers
Arguably London’s best Iberian restaurant, Eyre Brothers melds culinary artistry with a cultivated, contemporary decor. Every element, from the splash of green olive oil bursting with flavour to the stellar wine list, evokes pure pleasure. Muted lighting, modernist wood panelling, tasteful artwork and a buzzing bar add to the restaurant’s infinite appeal; but its culinary might is certainly worth multiple visits in of itself.
4. Jose
A cracking addition to the culinary hotbed of Bermondsey Street, José is a modern Spanish classic. Primarily a bustling sherry and tapas bar, the list of jerez is concocted by Masters of Wine associated with the neighbouring Wine and Spirit Education Trust, which ensures a rigorously curated selection. The tapas and deserts, including a highly recommended chocolate mousse, are equally stellar. For those seeking more substantial Spanish fare visit owner José Pizarro’s Pizarro (map p 90), a wildly successful full-scale Spanish restaurant just down the street.
5. Brawn
Decked out in warm wood and exuding comfort, Brawn specializes in locally sourced delicacies in a wonderfully unfussy setting. The highlight of Columbia Road’s many culinary treasures, a meal at Brawn can include such divergent delights as Scottish langoustine, braised rabbit leg, soft polenta and gremalata, and the rather more unusual sounding snails, oxtail and salsify pie. Brawn’s predominantly French list of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines is particularly satisfying.
Thank you Alana!
Images: Sager + Wilde: Rob Greig, Brawn: Britta Jaschinkski, Eyre Brothers: Square Meal, Sketch: Ed Reeve
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What cities has she covered so far?
NY, London, LA, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen, Madrid, Amsterdam
check it out: http://www.analogueguides.com/
she has my dream job!
This definitely has your name all over it. You should figure that one out.
I’m gonna need one for Rome.
There’s a business here in Austin called “The Departure Lounge”, which is a coffee shot meets wine bar meets travel agency. Haven’t been yet but it sounds like a pretty cool concept to reviatlize the idea of using a travel agent.
Check it out: http://www.departurelounge.com/
Also seems like something that is right up your alley.