Via, Norbury by Paloma Lacy
Norbury is much loved by locals but is often overlooked by others.
“Where’s Norbury?”
Sadly, this is often the refrain repeated by many who claim not to know it and never to have visited.
The first point may be true but anyone who’s travelled the A23 to Croydon in one direction, and Brixton in the other, has more than likely been through Norbury at some point.
It’s quite clever therefore that Norbury’s newest restaurant is called Via and might well finally put Norbury on the map.
Set to open in mid-October, there is a definite buzz surrounding it and we popped along to find out why.
Located in London Road, this is a stretch where all too often, new openings fit into a few cuisines that are already present.
Taking inspiration from Continental back streets, away from the main drag, where all the best restaurants are found, there’s a feeling that the outside has been brought inside.
The night-time, star-lit sky has been painted on the ceiling to stunning effect towards the bar, creating a cosy atmosphere.
A wall mural of angelic wings and an illuminated sign that says “to the moon,” lift the heart.
Via’s offering is completely different from anything the local dining scene has to offer.
With the help of a highly-experienced mixologist, the cocktail menu is in-line with a Central London offering.
There are the classics and then a modern take and even fusion cocktails.
The menu is concise, which gives an indication that the chef has worked hard to perfect dishes to please.
Smoked chicken croquettes, smoked mackerel pate, cauliflower, leek, and butternut squash crispy tacos, with chimichurri are just some of the dishes to have made it through to the Continental-influenced small plates menu.
Whether it’s a date night or dinner with a friend, the only other company you’ll need is a bottle of wine from a largely Portuguese wine list.
Via, 1447A London Rd, Norbury, London SW16 4AQ.
The appetite for new restaurant openings remains undiminished and one of the most exciting is set to open just ahead of Croydon being named as London Borough of Culture 2023.
Fern will open its doors before Christmas on the ground floor of the Ten Degrees building, opposite East Croydon railway station, in George Street.
It is said to be the world’s tallest modular skyscraper.
It will be a second operation from the team behind Surrey Street’s Mr Fox and promises exceptional cocktails and a menu with dishes crafted from locally sourced produce.
The quirky interior takes its inspiration from downtown New York, complete with exposed brickwork, reclaimed barn wood flooring, terracotta- tiled features and floor-to ceiling windows.
Six-foot antique French chandeliers have been chosen as visual centre pieces.
An open kitchen will serve vibrant sharing plates, with modern European style and flavours. Open seven-days-a-week, from 8am for breakfast, serving lunch and dinner.
Closing time will be between 10pm on Sunday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Fern, 100 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1GP.
Caso do Frango Heddon Street officially opens its doors on 14th October.
Located at 31-33 Heddon Street, the new site boasts a street level terrace, an expansive, light and airy dining room, a drinks bar dubbed The Green Room, and two private dining rooms.
The menu sees all of the Casa do Frango classics centred around its Algarvian staple of Frango Piri-Piri and signature dish; half a chicken brushed with a secret piri-piri recipe that has been perfected over time, influenced by co-founder Marco Mendes’ upbringing in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal.
The restaurant’s open-fire grill, stoked with wood charcoal, provides an inimitable flavour and unmistakable char.
To supplement the signature frango piri-piri, a selection of Portuguese sharing plates which take inspiration from popular dishes from around the country are available alongside typical Piri-Piri style sides from Iberico Pork Croquettes and Bacalhau Fritters to African Rice, Batatas Fritas and a Montanheira Salad.
More openings in the near future, including Casa do Frango Victoria in early 2023.
Casa do Frango, 31-33 Heddon Street, W1B 4BN
Pictured: Some of the food on offer at Via in Norbury – and owner, Elsa Pictures: Paloma Lacy