Fans of the Netflix drama Emily in Paris will go wild for this self-named ‘five star dive bar’ in Kensal Rise. The opening is co-founded by actor and heartthrob Lucien Laviscount (who plays Alfie in the show), along with restaurateur Zac Lichman and head chef Gareth Drew (who comes with previous experience at Nobu and Buddha Bar). This is not the first project to launch from the enterprising team, who initially opened The Shop in 2018, a café by day and a bar by night. This was sadly forced to close due to the pandemic in 2020, but we’re hoping round two will bring better things for the trio.
Located a few doors down from where The Shop once stood, The Wealthy Beggar is designed to be a proper neighbourhood haunt created with the local community in mind. Open from 5pm until late, diners can tuck into Pan-Asian small plates alongside clever cocktails from the speakeasy-inspired bar into the early hours of the morning. Head chef Gareth’s time spent at Nobu really comes into play with the food, which is designed to offer a mix of ‘wealthy’ and ‘beggar’. This manifests in dishes like wagyu tartare, yuzu and caviar and langoustine tartare (all ‘wealthy’) alongside dim sum, tacos and cheeseburger dumplings (more ‘beggar’).
The drinks list leans heavily towards cocktails with examples of tipples including the Loaded Dice, featuring watermelon, banana, coconut, pineapple and three types of rum. Elsewhere, the Velvet Hand is made by mixing fresh pomegranate cordial with sparkling wine and apple-infused brandy. Such creations are the handy work of bar manager Jack Owen, who’s worked in bars from London to New York.
The vibes are very much the cool and trendy sort. Think crystal chandeliers and red velvet seats contrasted with graffiti, exposed bricks and cosy candles. The team has also partnered up with dub and reggae legend Don Letts to oversee the music at the venue, with live music every Wednesday, DJ sets and weekend parties all on the agenda.