Exceptional Wines, an Exotic Menu, and Architect-Designed Interiors- Abuelo is Marylebone’s Latest Wine Bar that’s Worth the Hype
Here at YCB, we can’t think of a more perfect setting for an intimate evening than a wine bar. From the dimmed lighting to the soft clink of dainty glasses, it exudes effortless elegance. Whether it’s for a catch-up with friends or a mid-week date night, there’s a certain romance about a wine bar that opens up conversations that would otherwise stay sealed (even before you order that second glass.) However, in order for it to stand out from the crowd, the wine bar has a few requirements to meet; the first, is a warm environment that perfectly balances a hushed yet bustling atmosphere. The second is an artistic edge, an interior design that’s sleek and chic, as if taken straight from a Pinterest board. Finally, there needs to be a food menu with dishes that are as visually aesthetic as they are tasty, to perfectly pair with a unique selection of wines. This may seem like a demanding set of criteria, however, Abuelo, the latest addition to Marylebone’s sultry night life, fits the bill seamlessly.
You may already be familiar with Abuelo. Renowned for its aesthetic interiors, specialty coffee and outstanding sandwiches, it’s a spot often marked by a queue of fashionable Londoners seeking their next brunch fix. In fact, since its launch, it has remained at the forefront of the Australian coffee wave, offering an eclectic mix of Australian and Latin American themes throughout. Needless to say, upon hearing that the Marylebone location has now opened late into the evening as a wine bar, we had a feeling it would be well-worth the visit. With an extensive selection of wines as well as a vibrant menu of small and large plates, our inklings were proven correct.
Mother and daughter duo, Lynette and Cloe de la Vega are the brains behind this Australian-Argentinian joint. Translating to grandfather in Spanish, Abuelo is inspired by their Argentinian grandfather, Alberto de la Vega. He helped to bake the cakes of Lynette’s Australian-based restaurant, Ziglioni’s (the birthplace of the Babyccino, no less) and was the creator of the family recipes on the menu of Cloe’s Argentinian street food business in Sydney. The pair put their brains and wealth of experience together to bless us with their first London location.
Interiors are an important focus for Abuelo. As you step through the door, it’s instantly obvious that extra special thought and effort has been put into them. All of the interior elements such as the large communal tables were built on site, while the focal piece is the marble patchwork bench, behind which you’ll find rows of wine bottles standing proudly, waiting to be chosen. Needless to say, Abuelo holds a certain artistic edge that sets it apart from other wine bars in London (just try to resist taking a photo for Instagram). On the other hand, it maintains a cozy sense of comfort that allows you to sink into one of the chairs sourced vintage from the Netherlands, and slip into a deep conversation that trails into the night.
The menu is produce-led and focuses on showcasing quality, fresh ingredients. During the day, the dishes are designed to be enjoyed with fresh-roasted beans, during the evening, a crisp white or spicy red. We ordered an array of sharing plates, the first being the Smashed ‘chicken’ salt potatoes, crisped to perfection in goose fat. After one bite, we agreed we could never again have a potato cooked any other way. The generously-sized Peruvian roast chicken quickly followed, served with a zesty Aji Verde. To finish, was the creamy dish of burrata, peach, and prosciutto, a combination of sweet, milky and salty notes that came together into one wonderful, explosion of tastes.
To conclude, Abuelo has proven itself as a wine bar that’s worth the hype. As new to the scene it may be, we have no doubt that once the word spreads amongst its loyal brunch goers as well as London’s wine aficionados, this is one that will soar to the top of central London’s must-visit list. For a guaranteed exceptional evening in London’s vibrant centre, secure your table today via the website.
