The first, Finch, will open in Brixton Village this September followed by avian-themed wine bar Peregrine that will open at Leadenhall Market later this year.
Finch will serve a selection of bubbles and wines from around the world with unusual vintages from small and unknown experimental winemakers in a similar approach to that taken at Plume. The wine list will be bespoke to Finch and will include more unsung heroes and rarities, while doubling down on the wines of England, according to wine bar group Grays & Feather.
The drinks menu will also include cocktails such as classic wine barrel-aged negronis, margaritas and old fashioneds to seasonal Brixton inspired cocktails using local fruit and spirits alongside Grays and Feather’s own beer Feral.
There will also be a food menu featuring dishes designed to pair with the wines on offer that will include snacks and sharing plates such as artichoke pesto burrata and toast; baked camembert with honey, rosemary, and sourdough; duck and cognac mousse paté with pickles and sourdough; and Grays & Feather’s signature Golden Boy grilled cheese sandwich.
The key dish on the menu will be a decadent Claw and Craw Roll featuring both lobster and crawfish with marie rose sauce and chive in a brioche roll. Locally sourced cheese and cured meat boards and Maldon oysters will also be available.
The 178sq ft bar is described as being a ‘pocket-size cabinet of curiosities’ and will have space for 12 covers inside the bar. An external area will seat 18 covers where guests will able to bring food from other venues within Brixton Village.
Its design will be inspired by the plumage of a finch with a central bar with black and white stripes.
“Having honed our offering in Covent Garden over the past five years, we are now ready to start a new adventure with the launch of our first neighbourhood wine bar in Brixton. Much like Plume, the wine list champions small winemakers which we endeavour to support as an independent company,” says Andrew Gray, founder of Grays and Feather.
“Finch will have more of a focus on English wines and our goal will be to provide the residents of Brixton and visitors to the area with a buzzing place to catch up during the week or spend a weekend evening drinking and dining. 2023 is set to be an exciting year for the company and we hope to bring more wine bars to the city with a focus on great wine, delicious food, and a sense of theatre that sparks conversation.”
Grays & Feather takes its name from founder and wine expert Andrew Gray and his wine merchant business of the same name. It made its debut with Plume in Covent Garden, which opened in 2018.