Colebrooke's, Islington

Islington's newest wine bar, Colebrooke's, has opened on the site of Toni Moroni's restaurant in Colebrooke Row, where Toni's mamma served traditional Italian nosh for more than a quarter of a century. In fact is possible to have lived in Islington for 25 years and never known Tony Moroni's existence.

Tucked away just off the Essex Road near Islington Green, Colebrooke's is an ideal destination for those looking for a light meal or quiet drink in a cosy, intimate and above all local atmosphere. Only slightly off the beaten track yet a million miles away from soulless bar and pub chains. Customers can relax to a quality mix of jazz, blues, funk and house music.

Independently-owned, Colebrooke's offers a local feel with a thoughtful selection of wines, Champagnes and continental beers. Historic black and white prints of Islington from the 1930s of the area adorn the walls.

Perfectly mixed cocktails cost from £5.00 and bar manager Felix Cemmel (formerly of Corney & Barrow, Royal Exchange at Bank) promises to mix the best Bloody Mary in Islington.

The menu, which confines itself to light snacks, is designed by Islington's La Fromagerie - the recent winner of The Observer's Food Monthly's Readers' Award for Best Deli.

Antipasti, charcuterie, antipasti and pat and healthy option sharing plates (serving 2 to 3 people) cost between £11.95 and £12.95. The home made chutney is worth the No. 73 bus ride on its own.

The pudding selection offers sumptuous iced desserts include an amaretto parfait, Belgian chocolate praline skewers for between £3.95 and £4.25, which can be enjoyed with a liqueur or glass of Botrytis Semillion dessert wine.

Light bites of classic gourmet cheeses, pat s, fish balls, and fresh cuts of quality European cold meats are also available individually with a choice of breads or crackers for between £3.75 and £5.95.

The wine list is relatively short - less than 30 bottles - though well thought out, with the highly popular, dry, sprightly and eminently refreshing Pinot Grigio for £14.25 a bottle leading up to a rather splendid Lebanese Cabernet Sauvignon with an inviting black cherry fruit and spicy oak characteristics for £23.45. Ten more wines, chosen by regulars, are to be added soon.

Available for private hire in its entirety, Colebrooke's has 36 covers and is licensed for 50 guests with seating removed. There are also a number of pavement tables protected from the elements by retractable awning.

Current opening hours:

Sun-Mon: 12.00-22.30

Tues-Wed: 12.00-23.00

Thurs-Sat: 12.00-24.00

(Extension under application)

Colebrooke's

Colebrook Row

Islington

London

N1 8AA

T: 020 7226 7517

E: [email protected]

W: www.colebrookes.co.uk

Nearest tube: Angel.