Getting used to my one-hour commutes across London (whilst patiently anticipating the opening of the Crossrail!), this time I ventured South to check out Good Neighbour, a wine bar and restaurant from Australian chef Paul Williamson (formerly of WC in Clapham and Soho House) that recently opened in Camberwell.
Apart from their focus on wine (including five selected wines in the Specials section), they also do a range of craft beers and classic cocktails.
The menu offers a variety of small snacks for those popping in for a quick drink and want to just nibble (e.g. olives, sausage rolls, scotch eggs mmm…), to more substantial sharing dishes if you’re staying for dinner.
There is a strong focus on cheese and charcuterie, so we tried the mixed platter which had a selection of stag salami, Chaource (COW,FRA), duck salami, Comte (COW, FRA), his salami, Mont D’Or (COW, FRA), and onion jam, served with toasted sourdough.
They also an ‘Epic Selection for the Table’ which would be great for larger groups.
The ‘Plates’ category consists of dishes which are ideal for sharing (or having on your own depending how hungry you are …)
The roast artichoke dip and firecracker crab dip were both very moreish and well seasoned with a hint of spice.
We were recommended the classic moules mariniere which were sweet little mouthfuls of fresh mussels, with plenty of sauce for dipping the sourdough bread into, paired with the vibrant Portuguese wine, Val do Homem Vinho Verde 2016.
The slow cooked venison, prune and port pie came served in a mini casserole dish, topped with a crunchy pastry crust: tender and hearty, accompanied with honey roast root vegetables on the side. Although I would have preferred a bit more pastry crust. We switched to some red wine to accompany this: Tempranillo Petit Verdot 2015, a fruity Spanish wine. The lamb & kalamata ragu with gnocchi sounded good as well, but looks like we’ll have to leave that for another visit.
They also specialize in pizzettes: we tried the one with anchovy, Kasundi and creme fraiche that had a light, fluffy base. If you want something meatier, they also do one with roast chicken and chorizo, or for the vegetarians, one topped with goats cheese, cheery tomato and balsamic reduction.
A cosy and chilled local neighbourhood spot, that would be perfect to spend those long (and hopefully sunny) summer evenings.
The Cheekster, signing out x
* I was invited to review
