This week’s Londoner is Louis Fernando, foodie at work and at play! Louis works in restaurant marketing, food photography and runs a food blog Tuck and Vine. RESPECT. Words below…
First up, tell us where do you live in London and why?
I’ve spent the last four years in Hackney Central. What was once a dusty transport interchange has recently become the centre of what’s happening with the arrival of great boozers such as The Cock Tavern / The (new) Cat & Mutton, Oslo nightclub, new restaurants like Mayfields and Rawduck as well as a retail revival over on Lower Clapton road – all a few minutes walk from my front door. I’m spoiled for choice.
You certainly are! What made you set up your blog?
What started out as a simple effort to showcase my photography grew into something much bigger. Today Tuck & Vine chronicles my observations of drinking and dining in London’s constantly changing scene. Written from the perspective of someone who works in the industry, I tend to stick more to features and events rather than reviews, and always with a healthy slug of wine & booze to balance food focus.
You work in restaurant marketing and you’ve always worked with wines…what are your top tips for buying wines in a restaurant?
People tend to get a little spooked when it comes to choosing wine in restaurants. My tip is to plan ahead by checking out the list online before you get to the restaurant, this saves being put on the spot and allows you to relax, leaving more time for conversation / Instagram / Tinder.
Good advice, we all need more time for Tinder! Where’s your favourite place to drink wine in the city?
With so many fantastic places to drink wine opening in London, it’s hard to choose just one. The team over at the recently opened 8 Hoxton Square (who are also behind 10 Greek St in Soho) really know their stuff. They keep a well curated list which operates on razor thin margins- meaning the customer gets to drink great wines for not much money. Also, they serve up a cracking brunch in the weekends. Win-win.
Finally what would be your perfect day in London?
I firmly believe in Samuel Johnson’s axiom that if one is tired of London, then you’re also tired of life. A perfect day would start with a spot of tennis in London Fields followed by brunch over at Fingers Crossed on Amhurst Rd. A trip my favourite beer shop Clapton Craft would follow, my growler filled to the brim, the afternoon would happily be wiled away in a remote part of Vicky park. Moving onto the evening, i’d swing by winebar Sager & Wilde for a few glasses of something exquisite before heading onto dinner at current fave restaurant Merchant’s Tavern. Post-prandial’s would be enjoyed at White Lyan, I’d then wobble home, emerging the next morning simultaneously satisfied and full of regret. Magnificent.
Oh we know that feeling well! Thanks Louis, you’ve been a dream! Wanna check out Louis reviews then have a peep at his blog here.