Two new bars have opened off Carnaby Street in Soho as the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has rejected a call from the Soho Society for a moratorium on new venues in the area.
Vagabond, the wine bar group backed by Majestic wines, has opened its biggest bar yet, with 120 wines available by the glass and a private dining space for up to 40 guests, while the nearby Basque-inspired restaurant Alta has opened a more informal tapas option at street level called Bar Alta (pictured).
Christobell Giles, managing director of Vagabond Wines, said: “Soho thrives on breaking rules and pushing boundaries, so it is the perfect home for our new flagship site. Ordering wine in Central London can often feel like a bit of a non-event, but we want to hand the reins back to the consumer and give them an experience they will remember, every time they visit.”
Meanwhile, former Humo head chef Robbie Jameson has been hired to head the kitchen at Bar Alta. Founder Artem Login of MAD Restaurants, says he wants to introduce a more relaxed and spontaneous way to enjoy the venue.
“Whether it’s a couple of small bites and a vermouth on the terrace or a table full of dishes shared with friends, Bar ALTA is designed to capture the energy and conviviality of the bars you’ll find across the Basque Country. Summer is the ideal time to introduce this new offering to Soho and Kingly Court.“
Sadiq Khan says the Soho Society’s decision to challenge every new licensing application would be “bad for London” and its status as “the world’s greatest city”.