We love Sager + Wilde in Hackney, so have been exceptionally looking forward to trying out Michael Sager and Marcis Dzelzainis’ new venture, Fare Bar + Canteen.
This all-day offering on Old Street has an abundant wine menu, intriguing cocktails and scrumptious Mediterranean plates. Topping off the multifunctional concept is a grab-and-go coffee area with bespoke coffee roasts from their partnership with Assembly, securing the venues cover of all delectable bases.
Situated over two floors in a renovated warehouse in Clerkenwell, the industrial shell is a gift, allowing the space to celebrate the stripped back white walls, original Crittall windows and for the exposed stainless-steel ducting to be comfortably introduced.
The interior pallet is warmed with a timber floor, tan leather bespoke-printed chairs and sage panelling to the centralized bar. Abundant planting hangs throughout, and a mix of industrial reclaimed feature lights pepper the space with a warm glow.
We sit upstairs next to the horse shoe-shaped bar with its 20 feature beer taps, and pizza oven. An array of small plates arrives from the open kitchen, the space is light, airy and fresh.
In the basement, banquette seating is available, and the space feels a lot more intimate with low level lighting, timber joinery and a large wine storage on display.
250 different wines are available here- paralleling Sager + Wilde’s level. If you fancy an innovative cocktail, they have created their own special tonic water which apparently enhances the flavours completely.
We delightfully work our way through duck and black truffle pappardelle, ox-tongue robata-grilled skewers, grilled octopus, seared tender stem broccoli with anchovies and to follow a panna cotta. Coupled with a bottle of Ciello Rosso Nero D’avola, the bill came to £90 with service included.
All in all, a lovely evening with great food, wine and notably attentive and charming service, Fare Bar + Canteen is a great addition to London’s growing all-day dining experiences.
