Around the Mediterranean, the hour before dinner has its own ritual: a cold, bittersweet drink, something small to nibble on, and nowhere in particular to be. Our bars at Nonòs are inspired by that aperitivo culture. On Judd Street, a five-minute walk from King's Cross St Pancras, that means spritzes on the pavement tables, classic cocktails at the bar and a plate of meze never far away. Here is what to order and when to come.
What aperitivo means to us
An aperitif is a drink taken before a meal to wake up the appetite, and the habit is shared across Italy, France and much of the Mediterranean. For us it is less a fixed happy hour than a mood. It could be a drink after work before the train home, a catch-up that turns into dinner, or the first round of a birthday. If you plan to eat as well, booking a table is always a good idea, especially around dinnertime.
Spritzes, bubbles and the Negroni
Our spritzes are the most aperitivo drinks on the list. The Aperol Spritz (Aperol, prosecco and soda water) is bright and bittersweet, while the Hugo Spritz swaps in elderflower liqueur and fresh mint for something lighter and more floral. If you like your aperitivo with a little more backbone, the Negroni (gin, Campari and sweet vermouth) is the classic choice. For a celebration, we also pour Prosecco Millesimato from Folini and Prosecco Acquerello DOC from the Veneto by the bottle.
Our cocktail list, from Paloma to Mai Tai
Bright and citrusy
The Margarita keeps it classic with tequila, orange liqueur and freshly squeezed lime. The Paloma pairs Tequila Ocho with agave, fresh lime, grapefruit juice and grapefruit soda. For something with a kick, the Smoky Picante brings together mezcal, fresh lime, our house spicy syrup and coriander.
Fruity crowd-pleasers
Our Pornstar Martini (vanilla vodka, Passoã, vanilla syrup, lime, passion fruit purée and sparkling wine) has a loyal following. Emma wrote that The pornstar martini was one of the best.
(Emma H., Google review). The Mai Tai (dark and spiced rum, orgeat, fresh lime and Angostura) and the Bramble (Beefeater gin, fresh lemon, gomme and blackberry liqueur) are just as easy to love.
Stirred, strong and after dinner
For after dinner or a slower evening, there is the Espresso Martini (vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and simple syrup), the Old Fashioned (whiskey, brown sugar, Angostura bitters and soda), the Whiskey Sour with Buffalo Trace bourbon, lemon and egg white, and a proper Dry Martini with gin or vodka, dry vermouth and orange bitters.
Not drinking tonight?
Our signature mocktails are made with the same care. There is Lady in Red (cranberry, apple, pomegranate and rose syrup), a Virgin Mojito with fresh mint, lime and brown sugar, and a Virgin Pornstar Martini. Peroni 0% is in the fridge, and if you would rather have caffeine, a freddo espresso is the Greek way to take coffee over ice.
Beer, Greek wine and a glass of ouzo
Not every aperitivo needs a cocktail. We pour Mythos, the Greek lager, alongside Peroni and London Pride. Our wine list includes Greek bottles such as the crisp, citrussy Makedonikos White and the dry Agiorgitiko & Syrah from Nemea, as well as retsina for the curious. Tom's lunch sounds like a perfect afternoon to us: Delicious greek wine and a couple of cocktails plus fantastic service. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!
(Tom L., Google review). And yes, there is ouzo. Before you order it as a shot, read our guide on how to drink ouzo the Greek way.
What to eat with your drinks
Aperitivo is never just about the glass. A few of our meze were practically made for the bar:
- Greek olives, marinated in herbs and extra virgin olive oil
- Tzatziki, tyrokafteri or melitzanosalata, with a side of Greek flatbread for dipping
- Halloumi fries or Greek feta fries
- Kalamari, crispy fried baby squid with lemon
- Prawn saganaki, in a spicy tomato and garlic sauce with ouzo and feta
- Loukaniko Karditsas, chargrilled pork sausage with chilli and garlic sauce
Sophie's team lunch shows how easily a drink turns into more: Food and cocktails was so tasty!
(Sophie U., Google review). See the full list on our menus page.
When to come
Nonòs Judd Street is open from 8:30 every morning, until 10pm Sunday to Wednesday and 11pm Thursday to Saturday, so Thursday to Saturday is the time for a later night. On warm evenings the pavement tables among the olive trees are the place to be. For larger groups, our downstairs dining room hosts parties of up to 50, and the whole venue can be hired for up to 80 standing. Take a look at private dining and events for drinks receptions and celebrations.
See you at the bar
Whether it is one spritz before your train or a long night of cocktails and meze, we would love to see you. Book a table at Nonòs, browse the drinks and food menus, or get in touch about a group. You will find us at 112 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NT. Please drink responsibly.