The New Area To Know: Borough Yards
THE AREA
Like Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross before it, Borough Yards is a new London destination at which to shop, eat and explore. Next door to foodie hotspot Borough Market, the area is already building on that food mecca’s reputation by adding more restaurants and bars, alongside a host of big-name fashion brands, a launch from one of the UK’s best independent cinema groups and a cool co-working space.
The former medieval quarter and 18th-century thoroughfare known as Dirty Lane has been completely transformed. Once-forgotten warehouses and railway arches are now home to double-height shops and restaurants, and the team behind the development has made sure to use materials that bring together the old buildings with the new, alongside striking neon artwork across the entrance. Opening in stages throughout the year, there are plans for 50 shops and restaurants in the space, and we can’t wait to see who else moves in.
Another plus? On the south bank of the Thames, Borough Yards is a two-minute walk from London Bridge station and just 10 minutes from Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and some of the capital’s most famous attractions, making it a natural add-on to a full day out. Interested? Here are the best places to visit this weekend…
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Bar Daskal
Bar Daskal is a Spanish wine and cocktail bar named after seafaring artist Vladimir Daskaloff, who worked under the name ‘Daskal’ and set up a home and studio in Estellencs, Mallorca, after many years at sea. Daskal was the grandfather of the bar’s owners – Sam, Eddie and James Hart – who grew up visiting him in Estellencs and still visit the family home to this day. Bar Daskal offers an exclusively Spanish wine and sherry list and a short list of cocktails made with Spanish spirits. To eat, there are cold tapas and snacks – from expertly sourced Spanish jamon and cheeses to classic tortilla wedges with alioli. Looking to host a late-night party? Upstairs at Bar Daskal can host up to 25 and comes with its own bar.
Visit BarDaskal.co.uk
Barrafina
Barrafina’s latest restaurant follows the classic format – think classic Spanish tapas dishes alongside a daily changing specials menu devised by the chefs using the best seasonal produce available. In line with its sister restaurants, seating is up on leather bar stools around a beautiful, marble-topped counter. Original Kate Boxer paintings cover the walls, introducing splashes of vibrant colour to the space. New for the group, a row of tables raised to counter height have been fitted against the back wall to accommodate groups of four, while offering the same view and atmosphere of the restaurant’s typical dining experience.
Visit Barrafina.co.uk
Brother Marcus
Known for its popular brunch spots in Angel and Spitalfields, Brother Marcus has opened its third site in Borough Yards, serving signature breakfast plates such as the ‘Step Sister’ with sweet potato, courgette and feta fritters, avocado, kale, turmeric yoghurt and a poached egg; and the ‘Brother Special’ with beetroot-cured salmon, scrambled eggs and chargrilled tenderstem broccoli on sourdough. Wash everything down with a ‘Brother Mary’, a take on the classic cocktail, drawing inspiration from the eastern Mediterranean by using ouzo and dried molokia (Egyptian spinach) with aleppo chilli for the rim.
Visit BrotherMarcus.co.uk
Butchies
Set to open in September, Butchies is a fun fried buttermilk chicken shop that’s been serving east Londoners since 2013. Originally a street food sensation, the kitchen’s ethically sourced chicken is marinated and fried fresh in store every day, and everything about the menu focuses on the highest-quality ingredients available. Our pick? A ‘Jenny From The Block’ with guacamole, chipotle mayo and smoked streaky bacon. Plentiful plant-based options are also available.
Visit Butchies.co.uk
Parrillan
Fancy getting hands on? Parrillan celebrates Spanish cooking over fire. As with its first restaurant at Coal Drops Yard, this Borough Yards site is all about its 40-capacity outside terrace with tabletop ‘parrilla’ grills, where guests can cook ingredients themselves over coals. For the first time, Parrillan will also have an indoor restaurant, where chefs cook Spanish produce – from whole fish to Galician steaks, arroces and seasonal vegetables – over the flames of a wood-fired grill. A largely Spanish drinks list offers wines, sherries and cavas by the glass and bottle, and there’s also a dedicated G&T menu.
Visit Parrillan.co.uk
Burger & Beyond
Burger & Beyond is branching out from its Shoreditch base with the launch of two new restaurants – one in Soho and another here. The Borough outpost features all the signature burgers and sides that made the original one of the capital’s best-loved burger restaurants, as well as new dishes such as ‘The Legit Truffle’, a signature dry-aged beef patty, double American cheese, fresh black summer truffle, black truffle butter and port-braised onions. We also love the sound of a new side, the ‘Cheeseburger Wontons & Mac Sauce’ – crispy cheeseburger-stuffed wontons with a classic burger sauce on the side.
Visit BurgerAndBeyond.co.uk
Vinoteca
Wine bar, shop and restaurant Vinoteca was one of the first spaces to launch at Borough Yards, bringing with it a global list of wines – with over 25 by the glass – and unpretentious approach to drinks. Many of the ingredients on its daily changing menu come from Borough Market. The two-storey site offers an informal set-up on the ground floor, with wide bi-fold doors opened up onto the street. A mezzanine floor provides a striking view straight down to Southwark Cathedral and is filled with a collection of cosy, deep red banquettes – just the place to sip a glass of red.
Visit Vinoteca.co.uk
JOHNNY STEPHENS PHOTOGRAPHY
ACTIVITIES & SHOPS
Everyman Cinema
Everyman Borough Yards is London Bridge’s first ever cinema, and is home to two screens, both filled with plush sofas and armchairs to ensure a next-level cinema experience. Although it’s surrounded by great restaurants and bars, the team offers cinemagoers a full food and drink menu from its Spielburger Kitchen. For a truly relaxing experience, guests can order waiter service from their cinema seats just before the film begins.
Visit EverymanCinema.com
Paul Smith
Great British designer Paul Smith brings his trademark sense of irreverence to Borough Yard. His fashion house maintains a diverse shop portfolio born out of his belief that every store should be different and react to its surroundings. The new place is no different, with a series of spaces inspired by London’s lively stalls and marketplaces. Filled with a blend of industrial and antique furniture, and a bold art collection, the shop hosts rotating exhibitions. Currently, visitors can see Spanish-born, London-based artist Roman Lokati’s latest work, which pays tribute to the buzz of his adopted hometown.
Visit PaulSmith.com
The Office Group
On the doorstep of London Bridge station, this 5,000sq m co-working space weaves a historic warehouse into a purpose-built new building. As well as contemporary workspace, TOG at Borough Yards includes state-of-the art breakout areas, versatile event space, huge outdoor terraces and a fully equipped Peloton studio.
Borough Yards, Borough, SE1 9AD
Visit BoroughYards.com
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