Gergovie Wines + Mons: two new openings in Maltby/Druid Streets, SE1

Trevor Gulliver (St John) breakfasting@Gergovie Wines

On the last Saturday of February two new outlets – Gergovie Wines and Mons the cheesemonger – opened in the Maltby/Druid Street Arches area.

Gergovie Wines

Bumping into Trevor Gulliver, boss of the St John group, at his Druid Street bakery this morning he told me about Gergovie Wines, which had just recently opened in Maltby Street. By the time we had done our circuit we caught up briefly with him at the new wine bar. Gergovie Wines is run by Raef Hodgson, son of Randolph Hodgson the chairman of Neals Yard Dairy, and Harry Lester. They work with 'a few of a new generation of winemakers eschewing chemical pesticides and fertilizers. In favour of letting the land speak (sing even).'

On their short list they have three producers from the Auvergne – Patrick Bouju from the Domaine de la Bohème (video from wine terroirs ); François Dhummes (story here on Bertrand Celce's Wine Terroirs) and Fred Gounan of Vignoble de l'Arbre Blanc. Gergovie also list another Loire – Domaine Saurigny from Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné in the Layon. The indefatigable Bertrand has also posted a story on Jérôme Saurigny. and there is also this write up of an exciting visit last year on Wicker Parker.

Unfortunately we were pushed for time, so only had time for a quick glance round but as I don't know any of the four Loire producers listed I will have to go back soon.

Incidentally Trevor told me that the St John Hotel is due to open at the end of this month.

Mons the cheesemonger
This small outlet of the famous fromage affiner, Mons, has opened in Stanworth Street, next to Neals Yard Diary. Mons is based at the old fortified town of Saint Haon le Châtel, close to Roanne and within the Côte Roannaise appellation.