Eat & Drink
Originally published on Monday, 20th May 2013
BUBBLE TROUBLE
Fizz is Back
We at UJ love the bubbles: at celebrations, launch parties, on holiday – and now every day of the week, apparently. We're not referring to the flute clinking, Moët-sipping style. In fact, we're moving into more of a post-Champagne era (or at least we now have more options when it comes to fizz).
Our long-time aperitivo friend Prosecco is becoming more and more popular as a with-dinner drink. New Venetian restaurant Tozi has a great Prosecco on tap for £4 a pop, as do street-cart-turned-pizzeria Homeslice and Shrimpy's new Outside Grill.
However, it's Prosecco's Spanish sister Cava that's in the limelight. There have always been places to get decent Cava in London (Bar Tozino, Pizarro) but now there are dedicated, one-stop Cava houses. In March, Aqua Nueva launched a new, glossy Cava bar – here they serve 15 different sparklers by the glass and bottle from the biggest Catalonian producers, alongside a daily changing tapas menu.
That said, we're most excited about Copa de Cava (pictured), a more authentic take on Cava, which opened yesterday. From the people behind Bar Pepito, the subterranean space is modelled on the bodegas of Sant Sadurnî in Penedès, the capital of Cava production. Sip on 28 different types, from Reserva, to Gran Reserva, to Brut, while picking at jamón plates. It might just feel like you're in La Xampanyeria in Barcelona.
Then, there's the more surprising bubble comeback. SodaStream, the 1990s fad machine, is back in fashion. Sales have been up this year since TV chefs have been advocating its use (it's healthier and better for your teeth). It's also gone high-end. Not only is it a sponsor at Cannes this week (SodaStream cocktails!), design mag Wallpaper* is also holding lock-ins with the brand during big events, with the next parties scheduled for New York's ICFF this week, and London's Design Festival in September. SodaStream champers anyone?
Info
Aqua Nueva Cava Bar, 5th Floor, 240 Regent St, W1B 3BR
Copa de Cava, 33 Blackfriars Lane (beneath Camino San Pablo), EC4V 6EP
