After a period of closures of much-loved bars and cafes, Walthamstow is about to get a flurry of new openings this year. One place we're particularly interested in is Wood St Bear - a new bar opening on, you guessed it, Wood Street.
It's taking over the old Wood Street Deli spot and comes from local DJ Simon Bear. Bear, who's lived in the area for 12 years, told Hot Dinners he's "rooted in this community. Walthamstow struggles for decent watering holes and needs somewhere community-focused." The new bar won't be as formal an environment as some listening bars can be, "it's just local guys playing interesting vinyl Thursday to Saturday."
While Simon's current job is in the music industry he's also worked in the food business having been part of an organic vegetable box company for over a decade. The bar will be mainly a wine and craft beer offering. To that end, he's been working with Borough Wines ("their sustainable wine arms is great") and local brewery Pillars who'll be supplying the lager. "We'll be serving interesting independent local beers and cask ale," Simon says.
As for bar food, that'll be a simple offering and he'll be using a local cheese supplier for great cheese toasties and the finest pork pies from Melton Mowbray with the possibility of hot pork scratchings to come too.
"I think it's in a great location," says Simon. "Wood Street is having a moment right now."
[First spotted in Code]
More about Wood St Bear
Where is it? 135 Wood Street, London E17 3LX
When does it open? Early June 2024
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @woodstbear
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