When I heard the news that Wild Honey in Mayfair was closing its doors, I was filled with shock. A restaurant I planned on becoming a regularly haunt of mine, serving some of the best food in London. Thankfully, I recently discovered Vermuteria in Coal Drops Yard. A brand new Café & Bar which is the creation of designer, Michael Sodeau and chef, Anthony Demetre who both decided to combine their love of food, drink and cycling.
Vermuteria is inspired by the bodegas & cafes along the cycling Grand Tour routes of Italy, France & Spain. Whilst the development of Coal Drops Yard is as modern as could be, step inside this bar and you’ll be transported to the streets of Europe. Bicycles on the wall, huge posters from the golden age of cycling and endless bottles of Vermouth lining the shelves. I adore Vermouth and the humble Negroni is one of my absolute favourite drinks, but after visiting Vermuteria and as we sipped on our first drinks – I discovered I really knew nothing about this aromatic fortified wine.
Whilst we settled in nicely on the outside terrace, we couldn’t resist a plate of padron peppers. One of my favourite snacks in history and whilst I’d usually wash then down with a glass of chilled Spanish sherry, Vermouth turned out to be the perfect pairing. Bitter, sweet, herbaceous – it pairs with just about everything.
Now I’m a huge fan of croquettes, or anything which resemble them and the ones here may well be some of the finest I’ve ever eaten. Each mouthful of these crispy crab balls were like taking a bite out of the sea. Incredibly fresh, packed with flavour and filled with colour. A lovely shade of pink on the inside, golden crumb on the outside and the vivid green aioli was so silky, much like the crab filling.
One dish I think I’ll be dreaming about for eternity is this burrata with with caramelised shallots. Back when the original Wild Honey was open, I can still recall tucking into a burrata dish with grapes and I’ll never forget just how good it was. Thankfully I can report the burrata was just as good here – very creamy and oh-so fresh. The soft shallots, with that sweet caramelised juice seeping out onto the plate and full-flavoured olive oil. This was burrata, taken to delicious new heights.
Even the salads were good. This simple plate of colourful endive and courgette was so incredibly fresh and the yoghurt and honey dressing which sat underneath it added just the right amount of flavour and sweetness without losing what this dish set out to do – taste of Springtime.
Slow cooked beef cheeks in a red wine sauce with Jersey Royals. I don’t think a plate of food has ever looked so good and so inviting. The meat was falling apart at just the sight of my fork. The potatoes were so fluffy and nicely browned on the outside and the red wine sauce was as rich as we’d hoped for. This was yet another excellent plate of food and the one I felt paired the best with a glass of Vermouth (or two).
Another tantalising glass of Vermouth later, this time something a little sweeter to pair with the most glorious bread & butter pudding. This is one dessert I’ve never gotten on with in the passed, but this version here may well have converted me for the good. Scented with orange, lots of spices, chocolate and a scoop of ice cream. As the cold evening air started to sweep in through the terrace, this was the perfect dessert to warm us up.
I absolutely adored Vermuteria and my only wish is that I lived closer so this could become my after work haunt. The changing small plates are fantastic, the Vermouth selection is incredibly impressive and the staff genuinely felt as though they loved working here because service was exquisite. If you’re in King’s Cross reading this then visit now, but if you’re not then jump in a taxi, come hungry and come very, very thirsty.
UPDATE: Since dining at Vermuteria, I’m glad to report Wild Honey is BACK and has found a new home in St James, London. You can find out more HERE
The food looks delicious, especially the croquettes!