Drakes Tabanco brings a taste of Jerez to Fitzrovia

By Carol Emmas, Emily Kearns

Published: 27 September, 2013

In a bid to excite the sherry market, Drakes Tabanco, a traditional tavern typical of Jerez, which serves fine and rare sherries straight from the barrel, is to open in London's Fitzrovia in October.

Launched by the team behind Copita and Barrica, fino lovers will be able to enjoy a range of exclusive sherries produced by Bodegas Rey Fernando De Castilla, including its limited release En Rama, which is hand-bottled especially for Drakes Tabanco; an off-dry Rare Old India, which is a blend of long-aged Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez; and a 30-year-old Antique Palo Cortado.

Guests will sit at a traditional counter, where they can enjoy the sherry taken straight from the barrel using a venencia, the traditional tool used by a bodega's cellarmaster. Customers will also have the opportunity to fill a bottle of their choice to take home, or purchase from the shelf some rare offerings from family-owned bodegas including Fernando de Castilla, El Maestro Sierra, Emilio Hidalgo and limited-edition specialists Equipo Navazos.

In addition it will also offer a choice of natural wines and artisan beer. The menu is Andalusian inspired and will be given a modern twist. A specially prepared sherry-matching tasting menu will also be available at a U-shaped bar which will be available for groups to reserve.

Co-founder Tim Luther said: "Our desire to open Drakes Tabanco came from a sheer passion for these often misunderstood wines. We hope that, like Drake, we are able to reignite the Brits' thirst for the great drink that is sherry - but this time with the full co-operation of our Spanish friends."

Drakes Tabanco will be located on Windmill Street, Fitzrovia and sherry prices start at £2.90 per glass.

Printer friendly version