Allegra McEvedy to relaunch Albertine wine bar
Chef Allegra McEvedy, a founder partner of Leon, is to take back the running of the wine bar in Wood Lane in London that her mother launched in the 1970s and ran until she died.
McEvedy has taken back ownership of Albertine in Shepherd's Bush, which her mother started in 1978. It will reopen in mid-February after a refurbishment.
There will be a greater emphasis on food and it will now open from 8am. It will serve French and Italian pastries in the mornings alongside coffee and bacon rolls, and will then offer a fixed format "something for everybody" menu.
McEvedy and head chef/partner Roberto Freddi have created a relaxed menu for downstairs, while the upstairs dining room will feel more like a restaurant. Freddi first worked with McEvedy when she opened Blackfoot in Exmouth Market and became head chef there the following year. He is also currently part of the brigade of cooks behind Native in Covent Garden and Rochelle Canteen in Arnold Circus.
Giles Phillips has helped to produce a wine list with a focus on France and around 800 bottles in stock. Wines by the glass include a 2014 Rivaner from Luxembourg and a 2010 Cour-Cheverney from Romarantin, Loire Valley.
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