Borough Market seems to have had it all, from incredible produce to great restaurants – but if there’s one thing it’s been sorely missing in its 700 year history, it’s an elegantly eccentric wine bar & restaurant housed in a former railway arch.
Well, not anymore.
Quill has just opened its doors in Borough Yards, joining convivial neighbours like Cahoots Postal Office and Café François. From the team behind the stylishly quirky Plume, and the beautiful little jewel box that is Finch, Quill stands toe-to-toe with both of them with its gorgeous design. Plus, Nudge Members (and a lucky guest) can enjoy 50% off drinks there for one month, from 15th November to 15th December.
You’ll find it nestled right where the cobbled streets and alleyways draw you in from the river. It’s impossible to miss thanks to the very literal, big golden quill above the door, which acts like a beacon telling you that you’ve arrived at the right place. Outside, there’s a sprawling terrace with twinkling lights, shrubs, and heaters to keep things cosy in winter. The location makes it quite a decent people-watching spot, too.
Inside, it’s a bit of a surprise. Smaller than you’d expect, it feels a little topsy-turvy, but in a way that’s both charming and chic. Think higgledy-piggledy medieval meets Victorian elegance, with chandeliers, spiral staircases, and a mezzanine floor gripping the vast brick arch above. Quirky is definitely the right word. But it manages to keep things from skidding into tacky territory by corralling those features into a nicely cohesive and low-lit design. It’s got a sort of curated chaos that works perfectly with the atmosphere.
The drinks list here takes you on something of an adventure, with bottles from across the globe and a strong representation of English wines. There’s plenty to choose from within each category, including five sparkling options alone, which isn’t always the case. Add to that an excellent cocktail menu (the Inkwell is a standout) and a whole page dedicated to non-alcoholic cocktails.
On the food side, everything’s pretty good, and the portions are generous. Chef Rob Wade, formerly of Michelin-starred Chez Bruce, has crafted a broadly British menu that includes a colossal tea-cured Scotch egg, the ‘all aboard’ cheese board, and the fried buttermilk chicken with burnt honey and tamarind chilli glaze. Oh, and don’t miss the signature ‘golden boy’ grilled cheese sandwich.
The finishing touch to it all, however, are the interactive activity nights, which include ’Secret Notes’ where customers pass notes anonymously between tables, complimentary ’Tarot Readings’, and nights dedicated to traditional card and dice games…
…if that’s how you roll.
NOTE: Quill is open now, seven days a week. You can find out more, and make a booking at the Quill website.
PERK: Nudge Members (+1) are getting 50% off drinks here for one month from 15th November to 15th December (excludes bottles of wine). Check the ‘Secret Soft Launch’ banner above for details. Not a Nudge Member yet? Sign up for your free 7 day trial.
Quill | 1 Bank End, SE1 9BU
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