8.0
Great
Restaurants

Jason Allen 18/05/23


Wander

If you’ve been wondering about Wander, wonder no more.

The cherished Stoke Newington restaurant has had its fair share of ups and downs of late – first, Australian chef-owner Alexis Noble had to appeal a visa decision by the Home Office. It was granted, then revoked. In September 2022 she announced the place would be closing down permanently… only for a new visa to be approved in record time, allowing her to finally reopen her restaurant, in its same home on Stoke Newington Church Street.

So yes, Wander is a fitting name for a restaurant whose base has been somewhat unstable. But it actually refers to Noble’s extensive travel experience: she spent a decade trotting the globe (living and working everywhere from Sydney to San Francisco, to New York and Rome), gathering inspiration before she settled on the perfect spot for her debut restaurant. Which, she realised halfway through a trek in Bhutan…

…was Stoke Newington.

wander

Luke Fullalove

Wander has returned to its small sleeve space on Stokey High Street, retaining the simple wood furnishings, and minimalist artwork on the walls to match. It’s all capped at the top with a wine-heavy bar that looks out into the open kitchen beyond.

In that kitchen, Noble and her team are getting back to work putting together a perpetually rotating menu of globally inspired dishes, including the likes of raw hand-dive scallop with green apple, fingerlime, and mint; wild boar pappardelle with green olives and rosemary; and red wine-braised pork belly with plum, ginger, and star anise. If you make a booking in advance, you can enjoy these dishes as part of a very reasonably priced set menu (4 courses for £29pp), but it’s also available à la carte for anyone who rocks up spontaneously and pitches up at the bar.

wander

As for that bar, well, that’s where they send out the equally reasonable wine pairings (£20) as well as low-intervention numbers starting at a mere £6 a glass. There’s also a neat list of English ciders and Aussie beers like Coopers and XXXX Gold.

Which are all pretty wonderful.

 

NOTE: Wander is open for dinner Weds – Sat. You can find out more, and book, HERE.

Wander | 214 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU


While you’re in the area… take a wander of your own through Clissold Park


Wander


214 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington, N16 7HU

02072497283

8.0 | Great