5 of the Best: Places to Enjoy an Aperol Spritz in London This WeekendBy Iona Goulder
We don’t know what’s happening with the weather at the moment, but we’re enjoying it. The summer climes may not be around for much longer, so let’s soak up the rays while we can, preferably with an Aperol Spritz in hand. Here’s five places in London you simply must visit for an Aperol Spritz this weekend:
1. For an Italian Escape: Macellaio
The Run-Down: If you’re after an Italian ‘café’ vibe without leaving the Capital, then Macellaio is your place. It may not be the Italian Riviera, but the village-style surroundings of Exmouth Market comes pretty close. If the sun is shining, perch on a table outside, and pretend (for a minute at least) that you’re in Italy.
Eat and Drink: The menu is full of Italian fare, like sharing cicchetti-style meats, fresh mountain cheeses and artisan breads. Meat is also a big focus here, with the steaks taking centre stage.
Where: 38-40 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QE
2. For the Real Italian Deal: Bar Italia
The Run-Down: Bar Italia is a Soho stalwart; an Italian cafe sticking to tradition. Popular with Italian football fans, post-club crowds, musicians, Soho regulars and just about anyone who appreciates an Aperol Spritz and a morning coffee. The atmosphere runs through the walls of this legendary 24-hour bar that no chain can replicate.
Eat and Drink: A cappuccino before 11am, a double espresso at 1pm, and an Aperol Spritz thereafter.
Where: 22 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4RF
3. For Craft Beer and Bar Bites: The Italian Job
The Run-Down: The Italian Job is the UK’s first Italian craft beer pub serving up some of the best craft beer in the business with a sites in Notting Hill, Chiswick and Mercato Metropolitano. Not only are they experts in all things craft beer but they sure know how to make an Aperol Spritz, the proper, Italian way.
Eat and Drink: Within each pub’s friendly four walls you’ll find a glorious range of Italian craft beers served on rotation, updated on a daily basis and chosen with seasonality in mind.
Where: Locations here
4. For a Spritz with a Twist: Osteria
The Run-Down: Osteria, located within the Barbican Centre, is the brainchild of Searcys in collaboration with Anthony Demetre. The restaurant specialises in bold, ingredient-focussed Italian cooking in the bistronomy style that Demetre has helped to pioneer.
Eat and Drink: Not only do they create some of the best Negronis in London, the bar team also whip up their own twist on an Aperol Spritz: the Spritz Me Up with Absolut Mandrin, Aperol, finished off with Prosecco.
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
5. For Leisurely Drinks: Donna Fugassa
The Run-Down: Donna Fugassa is your Italian nonna in London. The venue is informal, casual and developed around the concept of local bar-trattoria in Italy. Donna Fugassa is not just about food though; they make it their mission to engage with the local and Italian communities in the capital, hosting regular charity and cultural local events.
Eat and Drink: Illy coffee for breakfast, a signature focaccia sandwich for lunch (prepared following the traditional recipe, using the best quality Mediterranean and local produce), and a Aperol Spritz with a side of olives at 5pm.
Where: Dalston Square, London E8 3BQ
