Grandad's Shed, Deptford Market Yard

Grandad's Shed is the new private hire venue from Little Nan's bar in Deptford. Founder Tristan writes:

Our new arch in Deptford! Grandad's Shed is large and has the indoors / outdoors vibes, it's suitable for groups of up to 90.

Decked out with a tropical theme, this private party hire space is suitable for groups of 30 - 90 guests, and includes a sectioned off private Victorian cobbled courtyard to the front of the arch.

Little Nan’s is offering this space out for Free Private party hire to all South East London residents for groups larger than 40 guests. If your group is smaller than this number, then there is the option to reserve an area within our main bar arches next door.

Click here for details.

Coming soon: Grounds and Grapes

The store front in HOP

Grounds and Grapes is a new coffee shop and bar that's taking shape in Honor Oak (41 Honor Oak Park). They've been recruiting for a chef and have launched a holding website.

To follow them on Instagram, click here.

Future sound of Deptford

Deptford bar Buster Mantis has launched a new regular Wednesday night 'exploration of Afrofuturism in sound' called Steam Down. Check it out:

Suttons Radio opening November 23

The rumours are true: we swing open our doors on Thursday 23rd November from 6pm. RSVP here https://t.co/qR6uCJmbMi (or just turn up!) 🍾 pic.twitter.com/9LzLvim0Vj

— Suttons Radio (@suttonsradio) October 31, 2017

Suttons Radio (139-141 Lewisham High Street) is the new sister bar of Jam Circus. Operated by pub group Antic, it replaces the Ravensbourne Arms, which closed last year, giving them a more central toehold in Lewisham.

Gin and Beer, Deptford

Gin and Beer is the new neighbour for Buster Mantis, underneath the arches on Resolution Way. As the name suggests, Gin and Beer is what they sell. Don't embarrass yourself by asking for something else, unless it's a mocktail.

Happily, within that limited palette, they manage to conjure enormous variety, thanks to their ambitious cocktail menu. Of the two ingredients, gin appears to be their real passion. They are as pleased as punch while talking about their Halloween special and the week-long process they went through to create it.

Last night, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed, but there is now a string of bars along the route of the railway track between Buster Mantis and Little Nan's, with the Job Centre a stone's throw away. It will not be long before queues start forming in Deptford.

Follow them on Twitter here.

Brickfields brunch begins

Feast your eyes on our new Brunch menu, launching this wkend with 20% off everything! #bottomlessbrunch #bloodymarys #coffee #Brockley #se4 pic.twitter.com/EUkI1ELuvN

— Brickfields (@BrickfieldsBar) October 28, 2017

Wight jazz at Brickfields

Brocktail bar Brickfields has got lovely new windows that open out on to Brockley Road, just in time for the summer. 

On Sunday nights, the breezy mood is matched by live jazz performances from 6-9.30pm. They've already staged two jazz nights and due to their popularity, plan more throughout the summer.

Winemakers Club, 209 Deptford High Street

The Winemakers Club is a new restaurant on Deptford High Street. Nisha has been and has this to say about it:

"Just wanted to alert everyone to the fact that Winemakers Club Deptford is now open. Having visited a slightly embarrassing five times already I can confirm that it is a delightful, intimate local bar, and a fantastic addition to Greater Brockley.

"Unsurprisingly the wine list is extensive and excellent, with a focus on natural wines from Austria and Hungary. There are plenty of interesting options by the glass at reasonable prices so it is possible to try a few without committing to a bottle. And if wine's not your thing they also serve beer from Deptford's own Villages Brewery. The food is also pretty wonderful. They are only doing a couple of small plates at the moment as the kitchen is not quite finished yet, but there is a great vegan bean dish and an absolutely delicious lamb shoulder, as well as home cured meats and cheeses, etc.

Sorana beans, chilli, mint and garlic toast. @WinemakersDept pic.twitter.com/VxEEbvKaYn

— Bitten & Written (@bittenwritten) March 4, 2017

"Wines are also available to take away, and I would particularly recommend the red and/or white Meinklang which can be yours to enjoy at home for £15.

"All the staff are charming and knowledgeable without labouring the wine talk (unless you want them to, in which case they will wax lyrical about organic vineyards and skin contact).

"I am in no way affiliated with Winemakers, just a very happy customer. If you haven't visited yet, do give it a go - it's an excellent place to while away an evening before wobbling home down Deptford High Street."

Little Nan takes Catford

Little Nan, the local bar group, has been selected to run the bar space in Catford's Broadway Theatre, which is good news for all concerned. Time Out writes:

Little Nan's Broadway Theatre Saloon is coming to Catford, taking on the space of the Catford Broadway Theatre bar. 

Not only will the team be bringing the Little Nan's formula to the ground floor space – with cocktails in vases and spirits in cut glass – but they'll also be taking over the theatre's bar spaces too, so those in for a show can enjoy it with a leopard-print mug of cocktail in hand.

Thanks to Peter for the link.

Coming soon: Winemakers Deptford

The Winemakers Club in Farringdon will serve as a model

New wine bar and restaurant from the team behind the Winemakers Club in Farringdon, opens later this month, replacing Hungry Boy on Deptford High Street. The Drinks Business reports:

Winemakers Deptford is set to open at the end of this month and will comprise a bar and restaurant, as well as a small section of wines for retail.

The company has been importing and selling wine since 1999 and specialises in smaller, niche and up-and-coming producers, as well as organic and biodynamic wines. It supplies a number of bistros, cafes, small restaurants and gastro-pubs in and around London, along with a handful of restaurants in the North of England and Brighton.

Stockists including Fera at Claridges Hotel, Antidote, Stockwell’s the Canton Arms, Great Queen Street, and The 10 Cases.

In 2014 the Winemakers Club opened its first ‘wine pub’ and retail outlet in the City of London under Holborn Viaduct, and the new outlet will be in line with the Farringdon site.

Deptford High Street has the potential to be the new Columbia Road, on a grander scale, with a more diverse mix and better connections. This is a big step forward.

Thank you to Sophie for the link. Follow Winemakers Deptford on Twitter here.

Brickfields, 293 Brockley Road

Dark star: Brickfields is deliberately dark, inside and out

Brickfields, the new Brockley Road bar from the team behind The Orchard, launched this week and is open every night from 6pm-midnight (except Christmas Eve, when it shuts at 10.30pm).

Like The Orchard, the owners have come up with an unfussy recipe, focused on atmosphere, rather than gimmicks. Unlike The Orchard - and every other local venue that's opened in the last decade - it seems aimed squarely at 20-somethings, rather than 30-somethings. Music plays a much more central role here than in any other SE4 bar.

Outside and inside, it's dark. Requiem for a Dream-dark. There is nice detailing on the bar, courtesy of local architect Gruff, but you'll need to wait until the clocks go forward to see it properly. Not since former hippy-lounge Moonbow Jakes closed down and got replaced by the Brockley Mess has a local venue so deliberately eschewed natural light.

The elegant detailing you won't see

And it's tight. Formerly a restaurant space, it's more generously proportioned than Masala Wala, but it has had to make similarly-efficient use of space. Like a narrow-boat version of Jam Circus, it has a front bar and a quieter back room.

Brickfields brings something new to the area. An uncompromising cool that is only possible once you decide not to cater for the daytime crowd of baby buggies and home-workers. And it's another hit. Last night, with little fanfare, the place was already busy.

Coming very soon: Brickfields

Brickfields, the new Brockley Road bar from the team behind The Orchard. Its test-run last night went swimmingly and the public opening is imminent.

An early Christmas present for Brockley and a shot in the arm for this Midtown stretch.

Somewhere to go past 11pm in Brockley. This is a big deal. #brickfieldsbar you are so very welcome 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

A video posted by Saima Arshad (@saimaarshad) on Dec 19, 2016 at 2:30pm PST

Coming soon: Brickfields Bar

A new bar / restaurant is opening on Brockley Road, brought to us by the team behind The Orchard.

The Orchard (Harefield Road) was among the first of Brockley’s new wave of restaurants, bars and cafes that people went to as an active and positive choice rather than out of a sense of duty to local businesses or a lack of better ideas.

In many ways, it is still the benchmark that other local businesses should aspire to. Somehow both buzzy and relaxed, simple yet fancy. Cosy in winter when the flames of the oven seem to heat the whole space, cool in summer with the windows thrown open. The founders struck the right balance and created the perfect local experience.

So this news is welcome and overdue. They are going to try and bottle lightning all over again – this time, in Midtown.

Brickfields is the name of their new place, replacing the old, deserted Thai restaurant on Brockley Road. They’ve got the keys, they’ve got planning permission. They are finally ready to go. Ed explains:

“The plan is for a bar with a late licence serving food, cocktails, craft beer, wine... It isn't going to be a carbon copy of The Orchard and will have a personality all of it's own.

“We are hoping to be open for Christmas but will see how we get on with the build!”

Fowl Mouths at Hopscotch

London Pop-ups reports:

Fowl Mouths' Japanese comfort food has found a new home. They'll be serving at Hopscotch Cafe Bar in Honor Oak for Thursday and Friday nights from Friday 28th October to Friday 16th December 2016, with all their classics on the menu, inc Kara-age Chicken, Slow Cooked Pork Belly, and their Katsu Curry.  Great news!

Full details here. Thanks to Paul for the heads-up.

Little Nan takes up residence in Deptford Market Yard

Tonight, Little Nan, the itinerant geriatric party planner, will be throwing open the doors of her permanent new home at Arch 14 in Deptford Market Yard.

The Yard is a new space right next to Deptford Station, with bars, shops and restaurants occupying the arches of the old railway ramp. Nan writes:

2 years ago, Little Nan's in Deptford got closed down overnight and we were forced to leave SE8 and Lewisham 'forever'.

Devastated, but not giving up on this dream, we searched and searched to find a new home for the bar, which turned into an amazing 2 year tour of London, popping up in so many amazing spaces and making lots of new friends along the way, whilst always spreading the love of Deptford across the capital. We Thank you London for loving us, and accepting Little Nan for who she is! 

2 years on and with petitions (along with some grovelling) this very naughty but nice 'as can be' Little Nan is BACK where she belongs, in her beloved DEPTFORD!! 

Thank you so much for everyone who has been involved in this crazy journey, you all know who you are!!! All roads lead back to Deptford!!! 

Come on Thursday 15th September for the official opening party, and if you can't make that we will partying all weekend till Sunday night... And partying for the next many years to celebrate Little Nan's home coming to DEPTFORD!!! 

Opening times for the launch weekend 
Thursday 15th: 6pm - 11pm
Friday 16th: 10am - 11pm 
Saturday 17th: 10am - 11pm 
Sunday 18th: 11am - 11pm

They're excited, are you? @Littlenansbar opens TONIGHT! #deptford pic.twitter.com/Nl5hIFtKuq

— Deptford Market Yard (@DeptfordMktYard) September 15, 2016

Coming Soon: El Barrio, Lewisham High Street

After #Newisham, #LatAmisham. A new bar is opening on Lewisham High Street next month. The owners of 'El Barrio' explain:

El Barrio is a latino bar and club with a unique colourful, tropical and Caribbean style, which started in Edinburgh in 2000, mixing Latin music, chart and party anthems for all people.

The home of mojitos & fiesta will keep the Latin and Caribbean flavours 7 days a week bringing you salsa lessons, bands and the London's top latin djs playing Monday to Sunday.

Our signature design will have a large floor, VIP seating areas and a magnificent roof Terrace and Grill which will be opening soon.

El Barrio is located at 100-104 Lewisham High Street, SE13 5JH www.elbarriolondon.co.uk 

We will be opening on July 8th.

Honor Oak bar plan goes to appeal

Plans to convert a minimart on Honor Oak Park into a bar and beer garden have been given approval to appeal. On the SE23 Forum, the team behind "One Tree Hill" write:

We have now had our appeal validated for 66 Honor Oak Park to change the use from a minimart (A1) to a drinking establishment (A4). We are hoping that the final decision will be one to celebrate.

We are proposing to become a local neighbourhood bar with a strong community feel where people can enjoy meeting up and socialising after enjoying a meal at one of the other establishments... We would be offering a wide variety of drinks and a selection of nibbles and snacks, including artisan products that would be sourced from other small local businesses and local markets. We plan to hold events such as wine tasting evenings, offering a selection of unique wines and we strive to support the local community.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting us and the time and energy you have given throughout the process, we are truly so grateful.

Thanks to Joe for the spot.

Little Nan wins Dot London Award

All Bar Nan - the team collect the award at last night's ceremony

Local pop-up cocktail den Little Nan was one of twelve London-based businesses to win at the inaugural Dot London Small Business Awards last night.

The awards were created by Dot London, the capital’s unique domain name, to celebrate the success of London’s most outstanding small businesses. Other winners included: Kricket, an Indian restaurant based in Brixton’s new community campus, The House of St Barnabas, Soho’s 150-year-old members club and We Built This City, an artist-led London souvenir shop in Carnaby Street.

Speaking on the night, the bar staff who collected the award said:

"We are ecstatic to have won the Dot London award; this is so unexpected given the big names we were up against! We are proud of what we have created and this shows our customers are really behind us.

"We plan to use the prize money to buy more of the fun decor our visitors love for the bar, so teapots, teacups and more fun and quirky ornaments.”

Nan stays on at The Golden Anchor

Mobile boozing sensation, Little Nan's Bar, is happy in Nunhead for a little while longer. The bar-hoptogenarian writes:

We have extended our time below the Golden Anchor pub in Nunhead till the end of February and are offering guests 2 hours of Bottomless Teapots of Cocktails, Unlimited Pic n Mix and Popcorn for £29 during the winter months!

Guests can still book in for the evening and not have the bottomless cocktails, but we trialled this over the summer and it was very popular, especially for Birthdays & fun Hen Parties!

Click here to book. You can also vote for Little Nan in the Dot London Awards, which recognise the best local businesses in a range of categories, including Best Place to Drink. Support them here.

Nan is the only local champion shortlisted this year, which is either a damning indictment of the area, or a sign that we're keeping our gunpowder dry until the Dot Brockley awards launch.

Out of the Brew - update

Bar / cafe Out of the Brew, which replaces Cafe Crema in New Cross, will be having a soft launch this week and plan to open fully in February. They have confirmed that the gallery area will open on Thursday from 6-9pm and then again on Friday and Saturday 12-6pm.

Opening night

So if you have been waiting to give them a try, now's your chance.