Fables & Company opens its latest venue, Quill, in Borough Yards this November, promising an adventurous wine selection and a unique culinary experience in a historic setting.
Quill Launches in Borough Yards – Fables & Company Expands its Unique Wine Bar Experience
London, November 2023 – Fables & Company, famed for the remarkable success of Plume in Covent Garden and Finch in Brixton, is set to inaugurate its third venue, Quill, in the historic Borough Yards this November. The venue ushers in the next chapter of their mission to make wine bars more approachable and to celebrate the storytelling behind every bottle of wine.
Where History and Modernity Converge
Quill’s location is steeped in history, situated at the historic riverside gateway to Borough Market. It promises to bring a fresh yet nostalgic charm to the area, capable of hosting 75 patrons in its 2,000 square foot expanse. The space is split between an internal arch and an external garden, designed to evoke the feel of an eccentric wine cellar inside and an English garden outside, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
An Elevated Wine Experience
Andrew Gray, founder of Fables & Company, continues to innovate on the successful wine lists of Plume and Finch. Quill will present an even more exotic and adventurous selection, with a focus on fine wines offered at reduced margins, making high-end options more accessible. English wines will continue to play a central role, particularly still wines, expanding on the bubbly offerings keenly appreciated at Plume. The core mission remains entrenched in exploring rare wines and providing an ‘accidental education’ to patrons through their eclectic offerings.
Culinary Excellence
Accompanying the diverse wine selection is a robust food menu curated by Rob Wade, Fables & Company’s Culinary Innovator. Wade, with experience at esteemed establishments such as Chez Bruce, Soho House Group, and La Truffiere in Paris, brings a menu of British cuisine with modern twists. Highlights include ‘Sea Bass on a Bed of Leeks & White Miso Beans’, a hearty ‘Duck Confit Burger’, and the signature ‘Golden Boy’ grilled cheese sandwich. The ‘Boar Hotdog with Bacon Jam & Pickles’ presents a gourmet twist on casual fare, vying with Plume’s celebrated ‘Pork & Cheese Hot Dog’.
A Growing Epicentre for Premier Bars
Quill’s arrival puts it in the company of Cahoots, Angry Crab Shack, and Cafe Francois, further establishing Borough Market as a burgeoning hotspot for premier bars and dining experiences. This marks a notable trend in the area’s resurgence as a culinary and social destination.
Design and Atmosphere
The design of Quill is the result of a creative collaboration between Andrew Gray and renowned designer Sophie Bickness of Studio Bare. The aesthetic blends timeless design with contemporary elements, situated within the unique setting of railway arches near London Bridge station. Decorated with eclectic art and objects from global adventures, Quill aims to be a conversational catalyst and an idea incubator.
Interactive and Immersive Experiences
True to its roots in storytelling, Quill will host interactive activity nights, offering guests unusual and immersive experiences. These will include ‘Secret Notes’ – anonymous note exchanges between tables, complimentary ‘Tarot Readings’, and evenings dedicated to traditional card and dice games.
A Nod to Tradition and Innovation
Commenting on the new venture, Andrew Gray stated, “Quill embodies the same spirit as our sister bars, advancing our experience from Plume and Finch. The tradition of storytelling is central to our identity, and being near Shakespeare’s Globe has motivated us to weave even more immersive experiences into our creative product. This is a really exciting site, with oddities in wine and intensely flavoured food, but most importantly it will be fun!”
Quill is set to open 14 years after the inception of Fables & Company, formerly known as Grays and Feather, promising to bring an innovative yet welcoming new venue to London’s vibrant Borough Market.
Source: Noah Wire Services