Inside Leytonstone's newest wine bar - and what's on the menu
Plus: KERB's new start date, Bamboo Mat's next chapter, Leyton Craft Collective launches, Monday booze bargains in E11 - and Shah's Halal opens
“We were having a drink, discussing what to call the place,” says Katy Severson. “Jean had just got this tattoo of a wine bottle labelled Regret — and we were like, “fuck it, yes.” And thus Le Regret was born.
It’s a few days before opening, and I’m standing in Leytonstone High Road’s latest bar and cave à vin, historically a millinery, as the exterior ghost sign attests. Bottles line the counter and shelves, stools await thirsty customers, and quirky framed art adorns the wood-panelled walls. Above the coffee machine, itself piled with gleaming tan cups, is a section of distressed wall — burgundy, of course — while particularly eye-catching is the central 1930s deco mirror: ask Jean for the story about that (it involves legendary Hackney pub The Dolphin).
"We've done everything ourselves,” says Katy. “And it's been a very organic process, which has been really fun. It's just everything we love in places like Marseilles, Paris and Lyon.”
Katy met business partner Jean-Martin Louw shortly after he returned from seasonal vineyard work in Europe, and the duo quickly bonded over a shared love of “unfussy food and natural wine.” While neither are French, they are Francophiles and jumped at chance to take over the former Dina.
There’s more room here than you might think for an ostensibly petite space, with ten stools around the counter, window seating, four tables and a cosy rear area. This is christened Le Coin du Cochon — and it’s where you can stand with a tipple and watch the rustic kitchen (observe, too, the cheeky French slogan on the wall). “Our logo is a pig, and this little corner is a dedication,” says Jean. “My girlfriend drew it for me as a gift for my birthday last year, and then Katie's graphic designer boyfriend turned it into the logo.”
"It encompasses the whole vibe, a pig drinking wine," says Katy, with a laugh. Suddenly I imagine the room full, glasses clinking, a buzzy neighbourhood hangout.
In today’s issue Katy and Jean guide me through exactly what we can look forward to on the menu, from oysters to orange wine — and a heck of a lot more in between. They also discuss the importance of pricing — and finding a good-value entry point on wine-by-the-glass.
In the meantime, Le Regret flings its doors wide open tomorrow for “coffee and breakfast bits” from 10am right through to midnight.
What’s happened to KERB?
Nearly two months ago, KERB confirmed they were to start a weekly streetfood market on Francis Road last Saturday, May 31st.
A few weeks back, the date got pushed back to tomorrow, June 7th. Understandably, locals have been questioning why there has been no further announcement, so this week I checked in with their marketing person, who clarified that it’s gone back again — and the new date is Saturday July 5th. So fingers crossed for that.
KERB launched back in 2012, and their small roster of street markets are located on Fleet Place, Cowcross Street, The Gherkin and Gipsy Hill, as well as permanent set-ups at the National Theatre and Seven Dials in Covent Garden. Their weekly local markets average around six traders, so that’s what we can expect on Francis Road, although exact details are — of course — not yet confirmed.
Welcome to issue #36. Tomorrow sees the launch of the new Leyton Craft Collective, an inspired new objective to link up and celebrate E10’s phenomenal indie craft drinks businesses.
It takes place across the rather sprawling geographical area of E10’s eight craft booze outlets and taprooms, many of which I write regularly about on these pages, including Queer Brewing, Neckstamper, Blondie’s, Gravity Well, The Point Cocktails, Devil’s Botany and Libertalia.
A key stop tomorrow is East London Brewing, one of the oldest of its kind in the area, dating back to 2011: it’s rarely open to the public, so I’m curious to swing by for a pilsner (moments away is awesome near neighbour, Queer Brewing, the UK’s only queer and trans-owned brewery).
There’ll be tastings and offers aplenty — and if you complete the eight venues, you’ll get a stylish glass decorated with the logos.
Don’t forget to walk back to Leyton Midland via a cheeky absinthe cocktail at Devil’s Botany (read my recent feature on the bar here). That’ll sure put some fire into your steps. From 1-9pm @leytoncraftcollective
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Behind this week’s paywall:
Following its shock closure, Bamboo Mat owner Dmitri talks about its next iteration
Everything you need to know about the mouthwatering food and drink menu at Le Regret: an interview with owners Katy and Jean
A Monday bargain-seeking pub crawl around the lesser-known beer gardens of The Bell, Rookwood Village and Forest Tavern
Shah Halal’s new Leytonstone shop — versus its streetfood cart in Stratford
This week’s key pop-ups, one-offs and foodie goss
Le Regret: Katy and Jean on what to eat and drink
Back down on the lower reaches of Leytonstone High Road, owners Katy and Jean have evidently thought carefully about what this part of the area needs.
And their inaugural menu reflects that, from early opening for coffee through to a pre-prandial aperitif, not to mention an eclectic food offering.