Dram co-founder to open Câv in east London

London hospitality veterans Chris Tanner and Edwin Frost will team up to open Câv in Bethnal Green next month.

Tanner is co-founder of Soho’s Dram Bar, while Frost is behind London wine bars Oranj and Half Cut.

Located on east London’s Paradise Row, the venue will open on 1 March.

Inspired by modern listening bars, the concept is balanced between an all-day neighbourhood bar and dining experience.

Tanner and Frost’s cocktail programme will be divided into three sections: one-sip cocktails; signature cocktails, which are all twists on classics; and sharers, which are spirit-led cocktails around 12-15% ABV, crafted as an alternative to wine.

Leading the drinks is the £7 (US$9) House Martini, served dry with either Ramsbury gin or vodka. Other cocktails are priced at £12 (US$15) and include a Cosmo, featuring a combination of Ketel One vodka, cranberries, Alma Finca and Marigold; the Tu (Bazo), a blend of The Lost Explorer mezcal, coconut, pineapple, arbol and sauternes; and a Picante, which the pair have riffed on with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, ‘chilli-no-spice’, coriander root, mixed spices and Carpano Dry.

Frost said: “The great thing about having a space like we do on Paradise Row is that it was almost like a blank canvas for us. We had the freedom to create something unique – our entry-level cocktails sit at a price point that is friendly for those looking to explore cocktail culture, while some of our signatures remain at the industry standard.

“The exploration of the senses remains at our core and with Câv, we give guests a chance to indulge in this.’’

The drinks will be backed by a kitchen residency programme that brings in the pair’s emerging chef friends and highlights different cuisines from around the world. Food and wine concept Tasca will get things going in March with a tasting menu that draws influences from Portugal and Spain.

The wine list, meanwhile, will be 80% founded or made by women.

Tanner added: “I’m super excited to be partnering with Ed to create a food and drink concept that marries bartending excellence with culinary expertise. We want Câv to feel elevated but maintain that approachable East London grit that Bethnal Green does so well.

“We’re super excited to have Tasca on board too as Josh and Sinead’s menu perfectly complements our drinks list for our first chef residency.’’

Câv will be open from 5pm to 1am, from Wednesday to Sunday.

Also opening in East London next month is agave bar Cinco.