First Look: The Vine Leaf (new Vineyard Café project)

It was supposed to be called The Arrow Factory, named after Jianchang Hutong, the alleyway it sits on connecting Wudaoying Hutong with Guozijian (also home to European deli Chez Gerard). But alas, there’s already an ‘Arrow Factory’ at number 38, a tiny, ever-changing art space well-worth seeking out. So, Vineyard Cafe owner Will settled on the less adventurous Vine Leaf for his latest dining project.

Opening this Saturday for, as Will puts it, a very “flaccid” soft opening period, the compact, wood-beamed space seats about 20 on wooden tables, with a rustic, gastro-pub vibe and a roomy bar at one end. Whereas The Vineyard is all brunching ladies and baby-strollers, it seems the vibe at The Vine Leaf will be a bit more ‘Great Leap’ chic - rustic and manly with focus on booze and simple sustenance.

The concept, according to Will, is “craft beers, wine and food with a British focus.” The pub grub will include UK classics like steak and ale pie, Cornish pasties, scotch eggs, watercress and stilton soup, fish and chips (featuring an extra-crisp batter made with Laoshan sparkling water), a smoked-haddock fish pie and of course the English breakfasts regular patrons of The Vineyard have come to know and crave.

For drinks, the plan was to stock the full range of distributed Great Leap beers, but until they get their license all sorted, it’ll be draft Asahi, Guinness, Kilkenny, and bottled beers. Will is also in the process of setting up his own brewing space next door to make his own beers – but isn’t everyone these days?

The Vine Leaf will also be the HQ for Vineyard’s new delivery service, called Vineyard Room Service. As well as being able to order from the regular Vineyard menu, customers will be able to snag big pots of dips, homemade chutneys and pickles, and bottles of wine at retail prices. They’ll cater for small parties too. “It’s the Vineyard experience, but at home,” sums up Will.

Finally, any Brits missing a proper Sunday roast might be in luck, as Will claims he will personally cook roast legs of lamb with all the traditional trimmings for parties of 8 or more to eat in the Vine Leaf, depending on his availability. So phone ahead.