June was HOT. As a result, I didn’t do a whole lot of eating, but I did find time for some al fresco boozing. There were multiple sessions at some regular haunts – Italo Deli, Bleecker Burger and The Hop Locker – plus first visits to Craving Coffee, Five Miles and Affinity Brew Co near Seven Sisters. Stay tuned for a separate post on them. I’ve also been ticking off a few spots around Burgess Park / Walworth Road after occasional games of tennis. Fowlds Cafe is a charming hangout in the front of South London’s oldest upholstery shop, and their sister venue Louie Louie up the road is a trendy, if slightly out of place, restaurant and bar with fresh brews from nearby Orbit Beers and a good-looking wine list. Heading south, Nape in Camberwell, run by Cannon & Cannon, is a winner for wine, bread and cured meat – a return visit is required for Hackney ‘nduja & London honey on fennel seed toast. There’s been the odd foray indoors, notably for incredibly creative cocktails at Scout (and tasters of their ferments and beers), plus outstanding patisserie and coffee surrounded by homeware at “Lifestyle House” Sans Pere over the road. I also squeezed in a trip to the excellent 40 Maltby Street for cheese puffs, tiny tartlets and some vino.
I’ve also taken the camera along to a couple of launch parties. We spent most of the solstice sipping cocktails at The LaLit London on their Sipsmith summer terrace. More recently, we started the night at Good & Proper Tea in Farringdon for the launch of Issue #7 of The Holborn Magazine. R&B Distillers provided Borders whisky for the event, supported by various teas and Square Root sodas, whilst Fourpure brought the beers. I’ll be back for more blow-torched crumpets. The same night, we made our way over to London Fields for the rowdy launch of Del 74’s second taco and tequila bar, Cantina Del 74, inside Helgi’s Bar on Mare Street. Margarita slushies and shots all round.
