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22 and all grown up.
Though located between Brixton and Dulwich this Herne Hill gem attracts more of the mature Dulwich set. It does this, not by having a Stannah stairlift installed, but by concentrating on really fine food (Spanish, more Fino than La Tasca), being non-smoking, selling Sherries and having 'grown-up' prices.
In no way is this bar fogey-ish though; this cosy egg-shell blue space is decked out with modern furnishings (caramel suede, dark wood), simple lines and neat touches (roaring fire, antique mirror, fresh lilies). It really is a lovely room.
And don't fear the Sherries either, they may be the Special Brew of the wine world (with its heftier vol. %) but I reckon they're 'the' thing to quaff at the moment. At £4 for a glass of Fino you can at least try it without breaking the bank and for the already converted they also do the Manzanilla by the glass at a loftier £8.
Number 22 also has an impressive cocktail list compiled by Soul Shakers, Michael Butt and Giles Looker (Trailer Happiness, The Player etc.). Additionally, there's a wine list with an organic/ Mediterranean bias.
On to grub, main courses from the full menu average around £15. A well-sourced slab of fresh swordfish was well worth the money and a scrumptious side of sautéed potatoes crusted with paprika (£2.50) is recommended.
There's also a short tapas menu (£3-5) with a great interpretation of these Spanish dishes like Manchego on quince toast or cubes of raw tuna. A Spanish Affair (£7) consisted of cured meats, brioche, pimiento stuffed with goats cheese and an artichoke, rocket and sun-blushed tomato salad.
Service was charming but needs tightening up a tad, cutlery was dropped on me (twice) and then a drinks order went unfulfilled. To be fair they did apologise for the mishaps. But after leaving I also noticed we were charged for two different types of wine (though we only had one) but hey ho.
Number 22 is a gorgeous find and since opening in February 2005 it's got itself a loyal local following. With such a small capacity (about 30) I suggest you book before you go. But please do go for a grown-up evening of excellent food, booze and more than just a bit of O Sherry amore.
Reviewed by Sophie Wong
DESCRIPTION: A modern innovative take on the tapas restaurant and bar, Number 22 based in Dulwich, South London, serves imaginative dishes alongside a premium drinks offer.??We source the freshest seasonal ingredients, the pick of Spain’s speciality produce and offer exceptional Mediterranean wines, bespoke cocktails a full range of sherry and ice cold Cruz Campo beer.??The tapas restaurant is elegant and convivial whilst service is friendly and knowledgeable. Our sunny patio is open all summer – whilst an open fire sets the tone for winter months.? (Updated 31/08/2010)
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Number 22 Address & Contact Details
- Address: 22 Half Moon Lane,
Herne Hill,
London,
SE24 9HU
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Herne Hill
Number 22 Location Map & Nearby Venues
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Customer Reviews for Number 22
“Delicious food, an excellent wine list, great atmosphere and very stylish without being pretentious. The small size of the restaurant makes for a really intimate setting and an enormously enjoyable evening. Perfect for a really special occasion, a date or just a little treat. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Rating:
— George, London
(03 Jul 2006)
“Brilliant little bar - great tapas, excellent cocktails - spot on!”
Rating:
— Johnny, London
(21 Mar 2006)
“Great looking bar and restaurant. We had tapas out in the courtyard at the back. Tapas list was well thought out and food tasted very good. Wine list is reasonably priced. Overall, I would highly recommend Number 22.”
Rating:
— Vicky, London
(06 Aug 2005)
“A charming venue in Herne Hill - good for a long, lazy meal, or tapas menu at the bar with a cold beer. Perhaps the highlight is the the welcoming staff. Sure, it's small and there are some early hitches to iron out. But the staff more than compensate for this by making you feel like they've been looking forward to your visit.”
Rating:
— Paul, London
(19 Apr 2005)
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