Caia - a neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant to open on Golborne Road in March

21 January 2022

This March, Caia, a lively new neighbourhood wine bar, restaurant and music venue will open on Golborne Road, just off London's Portobello. Founded by locals Rishabh Vir and Tim Lang, Caia - named after the Roman goddess of fire - will offer an extensive list of wines from storied producers and young upstarts alongside a seasonally changing menu of wine-friendly fare cooked on a custom-made, open fire grill.

The sixty cover space designed by up-and-coming agency Atelier Wren will welcome locals and passersby inside with a vibrant bar and open kitchen, allowing ten guests a full sense of the action as they watch the chefs at work. Cosy banquette seating will stretch through the room, providing the perfect spot to enjoy a glass or two, alongside small plates from the grill, whilst at the rear, a 12 cover wine room, complete with a floor to ceiling wine display, will offer the ideal space for groups.

The basement, set to be a buzzing space with music at its heart, will feature a Kuzma R record player and Auditorium R-25 A speakers designed by Living Voice founder Kevin Scott, which will create a space with incomparable acoustics. Guests can enjoy a carefully curated vinyl collection by Stranger Than Paradise Records founder Noreen McShane, taking them from the heyday of rare jazz, funk, tropical and disco right up to the more sophisticated soulful selections from the here and now. Co-founder Tim will also draw on his vast experience of London’s music scene to curate a monthly program of music-led events including guest DJ’s, listening events, live acoustic sessions and artist Q&As.

Both upstairs and down, diners will be able to choose from a selection of seasonal dishes, made using carefully-sourced ingredients from their local supply chain. Complimenting the dishes, a number of ferments, vinegars and preserves will add depth to the dishes, incorporating sharp flavours to cut through the charred meats and vegetables.

Caia’s playful and textural wine selection will be curated by wine expert Beth Brickenden and include an extensive list of Old-World wines from producers old and new. Those looking to try something a little different will be able to enjoy Jurtschitsch’s Mon Blanc or Fiona Beeston’s Clos des Capucins, whilst those looking for a familiar drop can enjoy wines such as Querciabella’s Camartina and Domaine Martin’s Château Gloria. Complimenting the open fire cooking, wine and music will also be a collection of aperitivo and digestivo cocktails, with drinks such as the ‘Mi-To’, a classic cocktail from 1860 named after the birthplaces of Campari (Milan) and Vermouth di Torino (Turin).

Caia will open on the 24th of March at 46 Golborne Rd W10 5PR