The team behind the acclaimed restaurant Levan will open a new neighbourhood bar in the former Larry’s site in Peckham.
Bar Levan, not far from the restaurant from which it takes its name, will serve natural wines from across Europe, an extensive apéritif list — including a “specialist” mezcal selection — and various snacks and small plates.
The 34-cover venue, inspired by the classic Parisian spots Aux Deux Amis and Septime La Cave, will open on November 23. The Standard was told guests should expect a “similar ethos” to Levan but with a “more dynamic and playful menu.”
The focus will be on organic and biodynamic wines alongside a selection of older vintages and unique “one-offs” by the glass. A bottle shop will operate during opening hours, while the food menu will include cheeses and charcuterie, rillettes, mussels on crisps, and “a very naughty croque monsieur.”
Also on the menu are gildas, anchovies in olive oil, ratatouille, and taramasalata. A bavette steak with fries and green salad, for two to share and for £39, will be the only main dish.
Co-founder Mark Gurney said: “Our love of Paris, and the wine bar scene over there is no secret, we wanted to bring a slice of that to south London. We’re hoping Bar Levan will be somewhere you want to hang out, it’s got a banging sound system and some wicked wines — we’re looking forward to opening the doors in November.”
He said Larry’s, which closed earlier this year, had become untenable: “As a concept, it was a casualty of a number of things. Firstly, Covid-19, which meant we had to close it the day we opened it, followed by the energy crisis and wider rising costs, all of which meant it was untenable. We did everything we could to keep it open but were sadly unsuccessful.”
The launch of Bar Levan, meanwhile, comes as a six-year partnership between Gurney, Matt Bushnell and Nicholas Balfe comes to a close: Balfe has parted ways with Gurney and Bushnell to focus on Holm restaurant in South Petherton, Somerset.
The group decision is said to have been amicable and will allow Gurney and Bushnell to focus on Levan and the new bar spin-off, while Balfe concentrates on his countryside location.
