If you hadn't already read our headline you'd be forgiven for thinking this rather rustic scene was a trattoria somewhere south of Naples. But, no, it's actually the basement bar of Gordon Ramsay's Union Street Cafe in Southwark.
The place has been completely transformed into an olive grove complete with olive trees and vines and it's the fruit of the trees which is key to the experience. The restaurant has teamed up with Martini to make a special olive oil cocktail menu. Bar Manager Davide Gagliazzo has combined different types of olive oil with each Martini cocktail. So there's an Olive Sour with Martini Ambrato, olive oil, Bombay Sapphire Gin and egg white or maybe you'd prefer Cioccoliato with Bacardi, Martini Dry, olive oil, chocolate liqueur and mint.
We do love a bit of paired bar food and Union Street Café’s Head Chef, Davide Degiovanni has come up with a range of olive oil bar snacks including:
- ‘Bufala’ - Buffalo mozzarella mousse with pane fritto and dried olives
- ‘Crudo’ - Sea bream tartar with Cerignola olives, lemon and wild fennel
- ‘Sorbetto’ - Olive oil, lemon and sage sorbet with dried capers
The Olive Grove is now open at Union Street Cafe, 47 – 51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS from Monday – Saturday. It's best to book although some walk-ins will be available. Call the restaurant 0207 592 7977 or email unionstreetcafe@gordonramsay.com. Keep up with their news on Twitter @unionstreetcafe
