Age: One year old exactly. And what a year!
Where exactly is it? Right up on the swooping thoroughfare of one of London’s oldest roads – almost opposite the Overground station (and exceedingly near the excellent Hammerton Brewery).
OK. So what goes on there? It’s a classic old-school Italian deli, with indulgent sandwich shop and – here’s the good bit – casual wine and cocktail bar, too.
What should I eat? We swung by for lunch: a selection of sandwiches made with different Italian breads is on offer with various enticing cured meats, cheeses and salads as you wish. Our fresh ciabatta with parma ham, mozzarella and rocket was simple perfection, big and chewy enough to munch as we watched the hustle and bustle beyond the window. Next time we’ve got our eye on the sausage and sauerkraut, however.
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The interior: discuss. Charming: wooden floors, barrels-as-tables (to perch around pre-Covid and now to sit at), all socially distanced, having checked in as per the current rules and regulations. Shelves heave with everything from stock cupboard staples to wine bottles and quirky old radios and miniature TVs.
And what do I drink? We stuck to coffee – robust and Italian – but a chalkboard outside tempts passers-by inside with an Aperol Spritz to sip on the tiny pavement terrace; or shelter in the cute back room bar and select one of the many wines on display. Oh, maybe we’ll do that next time, too.
What’s the service like? Friendly, authentic and, of course, masked.
Do say: ‘A spritz and a sarnie, please.’
Don’t say: ‘Is it a speakeasy out back?’ Nope, it’s not quite that kind of place. And even if it was, it would be shut by 10pm, anyway.
AperiDeli is open daily (Mon-Thurs till 9pm, Friday & Saturday 10pm, Sun 7pm), 339 Caledonian Road N1, follow @apero_deli for more
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