Following the success of Lyle’s, James Lowe and John Ogier plan to open Flor – a new wine bar, bakery and restaurant in Borough Market – this June.
Flor is an all-day dining restaurant inspired by the buvettes of Paris and the pintxos bars in San Sebastián, with a focus on sourdough bread and viennoiserie, produce- and provenance-led cooking, and an approachable wine list.
Split across two floors, Flor will be housed in a 19th century building in the centre of Borough Market, which features floor-to-ceiling Crittall windows flooding the room with natural light.
Guests can take a seat at the relaxed counter overlooking the open kitchen, or climb the original black cast-iron spiral staircase upstairs, where the space features original brickwork walls, banquette seating and accents of marble and stone.
“We have decided to open a bakery, restaurant and wine bar that we like to think of as the little sister of Lyle’s, following the same philosophy with a love of good quality ingredients but with baking at the heart,” says John.
James adds: “Whereas at Lyle’s we focus on the best produce that Britain has to offer, with Flor we will be paying homage to the variety of European ingredients available in London, particularly with Borough Market on our doorstep. It will be a smaller, more laid-back space but with a big personality.”
Flor will open its doors at 8am throughout the week, revealing a bakery counter stacked with sourdough loaves and pastries. Daytimes will take their cue from the informality of European dining culture – guests can drop in for a working lunch or take a more relaxed approach.
As evening draws in, the lights will be dimmed and the kitchen will dish up simple plates for dinner including burrata, grilled bread and salted tomatoes; Cornish pollack brandade and pickled peppers; lamb ribs, yoghurt and black lime; Lyle’s charcuterie; whole Dover sole, capers and wild marjoram; and mussel, Spenwood and Vin Jaune flatbread.
To finish, there’s a choice of individual chocolate sabayon tarts, loganberry fool or simple desserts made with any of the fruit the team pick themselves from the farm Lyle’s use in Sussex.
The wine list at Flor will be sourced from agriculturally responsible producers and a large selection will be available by the glass.
