What: Albertine
In a nutshell: Wine bar revamp
Summing it all up: Chef, author and TV presenter Alllegra McEvedy is returning to her roots and revitalising West London wine bar Albertine
The low-down
We love a story with a happy ending. And news that Allegra McEvedy has taken over the old school wine bar Albertine in West London really is just that. McEvedy's mother first opened the place way back in 1978 so the story has come full circle. "To me there’s still exactly the same feel in the air as there was when I used to come in after school at the age that my daughter is now," says Allegra. "It really is all a bit magical for me.”
We don't know the place ourselves, but by all accounts it's been a mainstay of West London oenophiles for decades and particularly favoured by BBC workers at Wood Lane. The fact we REALLY love is that the wine bar is where the folk behind Eastenders first came up with the soap and it's why Albert Square is called what it is.
So what's going to change? Well while much of the decor will remain, there will be a new upstairs dining room. The place will also open all day, serving up bacon rolls and coffee.
For the food Allegra has brought in Head Chef/partner Roberto Freddi who she last worked with at Blackfoot in Exmouth Market and who's since been cooking at Native and Rochelle Canteen. Up in the dining room you'll get European seasonal plates (with more than a nod towards Italian).
The lunchtime menu might feature White bean and wild garlic soup with hazelnut pistou or Oven-baked ciabatta roll ‘Saltimbocca’ (English rose veal with prosciutto, sage & mozzarella).
Upstairs dishes will include:
- Albertine’s beef broth
- Pork, wild mushroom and armagnac pate
- Smoked Eels, Yellow Beetroots, agretti Mussels, Leeks, Dijon cream, rosemary and garlic crunchies
- Confit chicken leg, borlotti beans, wild rocket
Giles Phillips will be the man in charge of the wine - making sure that there are always two wines on the specials board and looking after the impressive stock of wines.
More about Albertine
Where is it? 1 Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7DP
When does it open? mid February 2017
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Twitter @AlbertineWine
