The Nook Deli & Wine Bar

Don’t be fooled by The Nook’s casual appearance, this teeny eatery (hence the name) packs an absolute punch when it comes to both the food menu and carefully-chosen wine selection. 

The Nook sits on one of the busy roads leading out from Highbury and Islington tube station, interspersed with off licenses and cafes. But, after spending some time here we’re confident that while it blends into the area, in your mind it will continue to stand out. 

Lale and Angus are a wife and husband team who got to know each other while working in the hospitality industry, and together have racked up experience at Mash Inn, Oklava and Borough Market. Having met six years ago, the pair were engaged within a few months and married within a year. Just before the pandemic they started their first venture together, blending their passions for mediterranean cuisine cuisine and natural wines. 

Lale is the head chef and brings dishes that hail from her Turkish upbringing such as marinated sea bass with fennel and pickled baby shallots which arrives in a moreish, creamy sauce and feels both filling and fresh. We also adored the Romano pepper, pickled naga, walnut and garlic hummus which - crucially - comes topped with fried chickpeas which are soft and doughy on the inside, but addictively crispy on the outside. 

The menu is flexible; you could order multiple plates to share or focus on the larger options and plump for a main each, but we think trying a taste of everything is your best bet. On this theme, the crispy courgette dolma bites are delicious, as is the creamy burrata. 

One thing you must do, though, is treat yourself to a desert. Both the hazelnut praline parfait, with miso butterscotch and crunchy cocoa nibs and the creamy, homemade rice pudding layered with fresh fruit and a crack-able, crème brûlée top are divine.

We’d also recommend making the most of Angus’ knowledge when it comes to natural wines and trying something outside of your comfort zone. The Nook changes its selection regularly and often includes wines from independent makers with an interesting story to tell, so don’t be afraid to ask where your bottle is from. If you’re stuck for choice, you can’t go wrong with a pét nat or orange wine. Enjoy!

The Nook is an all-day venue, operating as a deli and casual restaurant in the daytime, then transforming into a wine bar in the evening.

The Nook is a casual space, featuring clean white tiles, wooden tables and chairs with padded leather upholstery and specials drawn up on blackboards in white chalk. In the morning, you can expect to find breakfast specials and freshly-baked pastries, while lunchtime sees a selection of hot sandwiches made available, alongside a daily changing selection of mezze and a few salads for those who are looking to stay on the healthy side of things.

The restaurant describes its menu as ‘contemporary european with a Turkish twist’, but that essentially means fresh seasonal food that is paired with carefully chosen wines. Come the weekend, you can also swing by for a brunch, opting to keep things tame with the classic selection of egg-centric dishes, or livening things up by adding some cocktails into the mix.

As for drinks, you can expect to find a mix of classic and natural wines from all over Europe, including bottles that hail from Italy, France and Spain. For those who are not massive fans of wine, there is also Camden Hells on draught, as well as a selection of craft beers and coffee from Volcano Coffee Works.

When restrictions allow, you can enjoy regular live music at The Nook Deli & Wine Bar and there is also a curated selection of records for sale, which is made up of independent labels that are predominantly based in the capital.

On your way out, don’t forget to stop by The Nook’s in-house deli, where you will find a selection of cheeses, cold meats and homemade goods available to purchase, including the likes of hummus, cranberry mustard and a mixture of quince and chilli.