Nyetimber launch summer terrace pop-up bar in Covent Garden

Stigmas die hard in the food world. Say English food to some people and, still, they think of stodgy pies, gravy and boiled meat. 30 years of progress, innovation and care, wiped out with nothing more than a single outdated thought, a whole culture of cuisine dismissed on hand. If anything, the wine world is even worse. Mention Lambrusco or (even worse!) English wine and noses will be upturned so fast it’s a wonder that their owners don’t get whiplash.

Yet times change, and even if old habits do die hard, there are still plenty of people out there, fighting the good fight. One such brand is Nyetimber who have graced The Terrace at Covent Garden to bring us a selection of their exceptional wines. First off, a rosé that doesn’t really taste like one. It’s absolutely bursting with red fruit, raspberries and cherries in particular. Heavier on the red than one might expect from an English rosé, it’s surprisingly delicious and a great answer to everyone that associates the isles with the dullest of wines.

The classic cuvée that follows is heavy with creamy brioche, and buttery shortbread. An English alternative to champagne might have the French laughing all the way back across the channel, but that ambitious tag is one that it lives up to in many ways. At this price point, it’s actually a competitive effort and – dare we say it – a bit of a winner.

Talking about the terroir of West Sussex seems a little surreal but again, should it? After all, is it so ridiculous that an area of the country that’s only really rivalled by Kent for the quality of the produce both grown and foraged there could manage to turn up some excellent grapes as well? There’s a reason why Taittinger has bought itself a vineyard in the Garden of England after all…

The space itself is an interesting one. Seeing as the Chelsea garden was influenced by Covent Garden through the ages – back when it was the orchard garden for Westminster Abbey, 300 years as London’s fruit and flower market, and it’s current beautiful state – it seems only fitting to see that this beautiful spot is mimicking Chelsea now. 60-year-old apple trees, planters filled with floral displays and furniture from the Chelsea garden are all placed in the East Piazza for shoppers to enjoy. It’s a nice space, but such is the bustle and buzz of Covent Garden that those looking to be whisked away into a flower filled fantasy for a few hours are better off looking elsewhere. If you fancy drinking in what is essentially a beautiful terrace though, this is a winner.

Daniel Masters
Photos: Abi Moss-Coomes

The Nyetimber Garden Bar, The East Piazza Covent Garden, is open 1pm-8pm from 1st June until 28th 2017. For furthe information visit here.