In addition to the wine bar list, you can always pick a bottle from the shelves and pay corkage on that.
What should we know about Provisions?
This Holloway Road deli, specialising in natural wines and European cheeses, was one of the openings that turned the lower end of Holloway Road into a bit of a foodie hub over the past few years. It opened in 2015 and now nestles next to the likes of Zia Lucia, Sambal Shiok and the very useful Hing Yip supermarket. Personally, we found it an absolute godsend during the dark days of the lockdown, when a trip there to pick up bread and cheese was maybe the highlight of a very dull week.
Why is it so well rated?
Even if you're not a local, you'll probably find you've tried their wares before now as Provisions supplies some of London's hippest bars and restaurants including, among others, Top Cuvee, Laughing Heart, Sager + Wilde, Bright and the Chiltern Firehouse.
If it's been around a while, why are you talking about it now?
The past month or so has been a busy one for founder Hugo Meyer Esquerré and his team. Not only have they just opened a second store, on Hackney Road, but a few weeks back saw the return of the Provisions wine bar on Holloway Road for the first time since the pandemic. We still hadn't made it down to sit in and enjoy the food and wine in the evening, so this seemed like high time to fix that.
The central table which, during the day, is piled high with Dusty Knuckle bread and large wheels of particularly gorgeous Gorgonzola, is cleared out and stools are set against the window counter too. There's also a table up at the back which is also laid out for drinkers and diners.
Is it wine and food?
Yes, both are on offer. On the food menu there's a wide range of antipasti including treats like mini Parmesan saucissons and their luxe canned fish like octopus and mussels in marinade. They also offer selections of sliced meats and the kind of cheese and charcuterie boards that would send TikTok into a frenzy.
Here's what we tried:
Pate en croute (£7.50) served with mustard and cornichons. An absolute must-try, this features a mix of pork meat marinated in brandy, duck mousse, black trumpet mushrooms and pistachios. That's then covered with a thin layer of jelly and slivered almonds.
A feast board and a glass of delicious organic Spanish wine is always going to be a decent lead-in to any weekend.
...and what a board! This is the Provisions feast board (£35), Featuring, among other delights, Crottin de Chavignol from Burgundy, 18-month-old Comte, 24 months Mimolette, Fourme d'ambert and Carre du Vinage - a Picardy washed rind cheese - along with smoked duck rillettes, some Jesus Basque salami and Coppa Piacentina. It also comes with membrillo and bread.
And to drink?
Manager Dylan explained to us that the list on wine bar nights is a range of by the glass and bottle - and if you like the look of something from the shelves, you can just add corkage to that. There's also an 'old and rare' section if you fancy something particularly special.
The offer has always been mainly organic, biodynamic, low-intervention wines since they first opened. With the cheese, meats and antipasti coming from small producers, the wine side reflects that ethos too. If you're a little wary of natural wines, the key word here is that the wines at Provisions may be natural, but they're stable and well made and you shouldn't go wrong here.
Overall thoughts:
If you're looking for a great neighbourhood wine bar you couldn't do better than Provisions. There was a real feel of community among new and returning customers on the evening we were in. We've always been very pro their great cheese and charcuterie, but it's even nicer sitting in to eat them with a glass or two of good wine.
More about The Provisions bar
Where is it? 167 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX
How to book: Email info@provisionslondon.co.uk or call 0207 700 0476.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @provisionsldn
Hot Dinners were guests of Provisions. Prices correct at time of publication.
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