Charlotte Wilde, founder of award-winning wine bar, Sager + Wilde, is thrilled to announce the launch of her first solo venture, DARLING, opening in Dalston in Autumn. The 4,000 square foot space on Kingsland High Street in East London will become a multi-purpose venue comprising of a wine bar, kitchen and events and production space. Charlotte is opening the space in partnership with Andy Bird, a specialist in East London hospitality restoration projects.
Upon entering Darling, visitors will walk directly into a spectacular grade-two listed space that will become the main bar area. Sea-coloured tiles in fantastic condition clad the walls, a remnant from F Cooke, the traditional pie and mash shop that stood there since 1910. Candlelit seating for up to 50 guests will be possible on marble tables that will stretch the length of the room.
The wine list, carefully curated by Charlotte herself, will comprise of no more than 100 wines, and will include a mixture of wines made from both traditional and natural wine-making techniques. The list will change regularly and pricing will be designed to ensure that it remains accessible. In addition to drawing on her own expertise, Charlotte has pulled together a strong team of respected industry professionals to complete Darling’s offering.
The cocktail programme has been designed by Tom Soden of Nine Lives Bar and former Director at Sweet & Chilli. When creating the menu, he took influence from the decadent decay of the venue’s aesthetics and history. He has introduced modern techniques and ingredients into recognisable classics. Expect to see clever and unusual twists on the Gin Fizz, the Old Fashioned and the Negroni.
Celebrated chef, Dan Wilson, has joined from Dandy to head up the kitchen, delivering a small but considered seasonal a la carte menu of modern European dishes. Additionally, he will serve a more extensive bar snacks menu available throughout the night.
The rest of Darling consists of an additional dining room with the venue’s stunning glass-domed ceiling intact, a photography studio, and an events space that can be used for pop-ups in the evening and co-working space in the daytime. At the top of a staircase, that can be accessed through the kitchen, an additional private room can be hired, complete with honesty bar concealed in an original industrial safe from the 1920s. Finally, a suntrap terrace runs down one side of the building and will become the perfect hidden gem for al fresco garden dining.
Speaking about the launch of Darling, Charlotte said, “I am so excited to be opening this versatile space in the heart of such a vibrant community, and in such an iconic venue. I can’t wait to bring a fresh offering to London’s wine scene that will make brilliant wines accessible and affordable.”