(Updated) The Rookery, a new dining and drinking spot, is opening soon in Clapham Common. We caught up with Mark Angell, who's behind the project, to find out his plans.
"It's a small venture, with no big backers," he told us, "just people that want to do things properly. We're aiming to offer something along the lines of a great NYC neighbourhood bar in Brooklyn or the Lower East Side with high standards, keen pricing and good tunes." Food-wise, Clapham diners can expect a mixture of British and Mediterranean food - "We have a fantastic young chef with a starry background, but the food will be very simple and seasonal".
The Head Chef will be Stephen Gadd, whose background has taken in some of the top restaurants in London with stints at L'Autre Pied, Pied a Terre, Odette's and Hibiscus as well as working with Stephen Williams at the Coach & Horses. Heading things up front of house will be Angell, who's come from the Canton Arms and Fran Astbury who recently managed Frank's Cafe in Peckham.
On the drinks front they'll be focusing on natural and biodynamic wines from smaller producers, craft beers and will offer a range of classic cocktails - "Think Negroni, Daiquiri, Gimlet, Tom Collins. A splash of Fernet."
The Rookery is now open - find out more.
