On of only a very few handful of vermouth bars in London, Vermouth 49 at Maltby Street is an ideal spot for causal and flavoursome drinks.
I don’t know if you noticed, but I haven’t been publishing nearly as many posts as I was, say, last year around this same time. Part of that has to do with recent changes in my schedule, and part of that has to do with the fact that after a while everything starts to get a bit samey with respect to reviewing stuff around town, going on press trips, etc. I’m suffering from a pretty big case of been there done that.
But a cool bar is still a cool bar. And I’m more than happy to shout about the great ones when I come across them. Vermouth 49, next to (and sister venue of) Bar Tozino on Maltby Street, is just that sort of place to drink that I’m pleased to have checked out and am glad to spread the news about.
As the name suggests, vermouth is the preferred poison at this small bar in the Ropewalk arches of Maltby Street. And that’s fine by me. More and more, I’m all about sipping a bittersweet aperativo and enjoying its complex flavours. Throw in some tasty bars, and all is even finer.
Vermouth 49 has a range of vermouths to try, with a penchant for ones from Spanish. I especially savoured my glass of Cruz Conde, a sherry-based vermouth with prominent notes of clove and orange zest. One feature of the bar that appealed to me is that there’s vermouth on tap – El Bandarra to be exact. In fact, the bar is kinda the unofficial HQ for this popular and delicious Catalan quaff. But if you want a glass of wine or fancy something a little stronger, you’ll be well looked after.
As for the food, Vermouth 49 does a small but satisfactory variety of tapas. A plate of jamon and some gildas (anchovies in a spicy sauce) did the trick between a friend and me over a couple of drinks.
Prices start at £4.50 for vermouth and from £5 for food.
Vermouth 49 is located at Lassco Ropewalk, Maltby Street, SE1 3PA. Find out more at instagram.com/vermouth49.
