The Black Book opens September 10th
THE BLACK BOOK OPENS SEPTEMBER 10th SPECIALISING IN WINE BY GLASS AND BRASSERIE CLASSICS
Following a rocky few months for the restaurant and nightlife businesses, September will see industry members bar TRADE, Soho relaunch online as TRADE App, the industry’s essential membership, providing professionals access to the community and perks beyond the walls of the much-loved Soho bar. Very much still at the heart of the project is the elegant late-night Frith Street site, reborn as The Black Book, specialising in rare and interesting wines and classic brasserie dishes, open to all.
Launching on 10th September, in a pivot for the times, founders Gearoid Devaney MS and Xavier Rousset MS are pleased to introduce The Black Book, Soho’s newest, late-night wine bar and restaurant. The elegant Frith Street site, formerly known as TRADE – the hospitality industry’s hidden Soho refuge and late-night go to – will relaunch as The Black Book, Soho’s definitive destination for wine-lovers, open to all, with special perks and offers available to TRADE App hospitality members.
Specialising in rare and interesting wines and classic brasserie dishes, The Black Book will provide discerning Soho dwellers and hospitality regulars with a sophisticated late-night hangout, the likes of which are becoming fewer and fewer in the area.
Drawing from the co-founders’ deep understanding of hospitality and legendary industry reputation, the intimate and warmly designed space provides visitors the perfect setting for an evening of good conversation, food, cocktails, and most importantly, wine. The name is a gentle nod to the heritage tradition adopted by sommeliers for decades, of scribbling tasting notes in discreet black books which they would carry with them at all times.
Wines by the glass include the super Tuscan Tassinaia at £12 and and a scarcely found Sancerre by master producer, Francois Cotat at £14. From their highly anticipated ‘Black Book’ guests are treated to a selection of fine wines, supplied by private collectors at a much softer price point due to Rousset and Devaney’s industry relationships. Coveted vintages may include Cote Rotie Barbarine Gangloff 2000 at £205 compared with its usual price tag of around £350 or Sassicaia 2010 at £250 instead of £450. A succinct cocktail list, including the age-old-classics such as a perfectly made martinis and negronis are also on offer.
Their carefully curated wine list of rare wines as well as recognisable classics will be on offer to try by the glass through partnership with Coravin – a tool to avoid wines getting oxidised after being opened
With a menu of classic brasserie style dishes, designed with wines in mind, options include: Roasted Onglet with peppercorn sauce and hand-cut chips (£17) and Pan-fried cod with autumnal ratatouille and silken tarragon sauce (£17). To share guests can choose from Half a dozen Maldon Rock Oysters (£14); Burrata, figs, red onion compote, walnuts and honey (£9); Courgette flower with goat’s curd, honey and truffle (£5) and Chorizo and Romesco sauce (£10). In-keeping with the theme, a select dessert menu features timeless choices such as Tart Tatin (£6) and Salted caramel & chocolate tart (£6).
Founding members of TRADE App will be treated to 50% off the main wine list for the month of September, with all hospitality workers receiving 10% off the bill (excluding fine wines) when quoting ‘TRADE App 10’
Xavier speaks of relaunch:
“Soho is a community, and it always has welcomed all with open arms, and that’s why commis chefs, to commuters, date nighters and late night diners all find refuge here. We wanted to open up The Black Book to all to ensure everyone felt especially part of this community to toast to good health, eat well and embody the spirit of Soho too. Special and rare wines with the option to buy by the glass was an essential aspect to making this inclusive even if there were certain perks afforded to the industry via the TRADE app that keep the spirit of Soho and London going. The Black book blends perfectly the elements that we think make Soho special – some glamour to be enjoyed by all”
