Fernandez & Wells

littlevegemite

Wine Bar Bliss 3rd February 2009

3 found this helpful

This is a tricky one to classify - sometimes I wonder how well the trusted places categories really work.

This is a simple place - a small list of good wines by the glass and some of the best of Borough markets meat and cheeses as plates to snack on. There is a longer list of wines to buy, and during the day some food - a perfect spontaneous picnic pitstop.

Yes, the seating is limited, the space rather bare (no loo!) and the staff sometimes busy - but it is still a rather charming place to have a drink after work. There is a passion for wine and produce that you won't get with a house white at a pub, and a simplicity that makes this a great place to go before dinner, on the way home, or during the day.

Lots of character - a real gem of these parts. If only London had more of these types of secret corners!

Niamheen

Indulgence in Soho 25th August 2008

1 found this helpful

It feels like I am letting you into a little secret, but I am sure I’m not, it’s just that I liked this place so much, I almost want to keep it secret! I popped into Fernandez & Wells in Soho with a friend on Saturday evening. I’d wanted to go for a while having seen it many times on treks around Soho. It looks so appealing, with legs of ham in the window, bottles of wine on the counter and lots of cheese behind. There’s blackboards outside and in advertising their wares.

They look like they know what they’re doing, although looks can be deceptive - not in this instance. I was there only briefly but enjoyed a charcuterie plate with prosciutto, basque salami and chorizo with a glass of albarino. We were also offered some manchego to taste. It was delicious and well sourced, alot of time and attention had gone into these selections. The meats, served on slate and sliced wafer thin & melt in the mouth, the cheese aged and crumbly and the albarino a gorgeous white, delicious and light. I didn’t want to leave but we had dinner plans elsewhere, besides they close at 9pm (although that should be moving to 10pm soon).

It was refreshing just to sit there and be nosey, to soak it all in. The staff are really passionate and knowledgable, it’s a real treat. I will definitely be back to try more, and request their recommendations. I would recommend that you go too!

Coffeegeek

weird 29th April 2008

0 found this helpful

We had a strange experience here last Saturday evening. We went into the Lexington store, looked at the menu and stood at the counter. The guy behind the counter ignored us and kept chatting to customers (mates?) Then another member of staff came in with some food… and a pair of old trainers on a tray. The same tray.

Still we were ignored but given the food/ trainer combo it meant we could slip out quietly.

Despite the great reviews I can’t think that I’ll be back anytime soon.

gastro1

Best Ciabatta & Bocadillios in London 2nd March 2008

2 found this helpful

This is a remarkable sandwich emprorioum - a fusion of the best of Italian and Spanish cured meats , cheeses and salads with a smattering of British.

"Here you can taste and buy our cured meats, cheese, bread and wine. To complement these core products we have a daily menu of seasonal salads, soups and stews. There are also mountains of sandwiches in ciabatta buns or 'bocadillos' (crusty flutes), which can be grilled and seasoned to taste. Particular favourites are the Traditional English Ham with Montgomery's Cheddar and Picalilli; Grilled Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper, Rocket and Olive Oil; and the 30 month aged Iberico 'jamon' on its own or with tomato and a drizzle of olive oil. In the evenings, the oak counter becomes a bar where you can choose a glass or bottle of wine to accompany assorted platters of charcuterie and cheese."

I was very lucky to work nearby and so could grab a great bocalillo , salad or paella for lunch on a regular basis.

Go on give Pret and Eat a swerve and stimulate your taste buds !

petermcc

best coffee 22nd June 2007

2 found this helpful

Best espresso - in a town with many, very ordinary espresssos - I've had in a long while.
Cakes looked great, but i was disciplined.

gastrosnob

20th June 2007

1 found this helpful

Fernandez & Wells is spreading like a classy virus in the Beak Street area of Soho.

First was the "concept sandwich" £5 a pop servings of gastro porn, all impeccably sourced and very tasty. Highlights include chrorizo and rocket, ham and cheddar and an amazing black pudding and egg sandwich that will kick the arse out of your hangover.
This coupled with cakes, fine wines and great hot food specials like rabbit stew makes F&W a winner.

Next came the Coffee shop which has converted me from the other F&W (Flat White) as well as the amazing chocolate brownies.

Only issue is price and the feeling that you could finance a good crack habit with the money spent in here

sue at 20/06/07

So the coffee is better here than at Flat White?!

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