DJ, producer and actor Idris Elba, who’s perhaps best known for his roles in Luther and The Wire, can add another accolade to the list. Elba and business partner David Farber, founder of Connaught Wine Cellars, have launched their first bar and shop Porte Noire in foodie hotspot Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross. In 2018, Farber launched Porte Noire wines with Elba after visiting the historical Sanger viticultural school in Champagne, reigniting their mutual passion for wine. The wine cellar and bar is the next step for the duo.
The venue is one of the largest fine wine tasting rooms in London boasting outdoor seating, a dining room, shop and a bar which seats up to 70 guests and offers around 800 wine bins. Dark walls and golden lighting create a cosy feel inside, while tables and chairs at the front of the venue overlook the green space of Coal Drops Yard.
The wines range from a collection of rarer bottles to a more accessible selection of wines on tap. If you like what you taste, then most bottles are available to purchase in the shop that sits by the entrance of the bar.
Not just about the wine, guests can choose from a selection of small plates from the food menu. Dishes include terrine, cornichons & toasted sourdough, truffle fries and pecorino, tartare of gin-cured salmon, flamed charred cucumber and dill cream and black garlic hummus, heritage crudités and toasted sourdough. There is also a charcuterie board for guests to share featuring a host of artisan cheeses and cured meats.
Or, choose from the cocktail menu which features a number of signature tipples: Porte Noire Flower mixes wild hibiscus flower syrup, vodka, apricot liqueur and Champagne, while Blue Sky Margarita blends Codigo Blanco Tequila, Blue Curacao Monin Syrup and Supasawa.