Get ready for a taste of rural America in the heart of London's Old Street! Appalachia, the newest kid on the block, is about to blow your mind with its authentic take on US mountain cuisine. This hidden gem, tucked away near Shoreditch, will transport you to the sparse mountains where Scots-Irish settlers once thrived – and Chef Ali Borer is the mastermind behind this culinary journey.
Borer's passion project is a labour of love that showcases the rich traditions of Appalachian cooking. Think smoky, pickled, preserved – the works! Grits, pork rinds, collard greens, kilt salad, and chow-chow relish all feature on the menu, paying homage to the resourceful cooks who made do with what little they had in the mountains.
The restaurant itself is a converted old saloon bar on Nile Street that's been lovingly restored. You can sit at the bar and watch Borer whip up his signature cheddary cornbread madeleines, fresh from the cast-iron skillets. It's no-frills, but that's all part of its charm – an authentic, indie vibe that'll make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.
But Appalachia's not just about the grub; it's a full-on experience! Head downstairs to Lowcountry, the swanky whiskey and cocktail bar named after South Carolina's coastal region. The drinks menu is a game-changer – think banana pudding sazerac and bacon fat-washed bourbon fat fashioned. And if you're feeling virtuous, there are some cracking non-alcoholic options too, including fruit fermentations and an out-of-this-world olive lemonade.
What really sets Appalachia apart, though, is its commitment to using seasonal ingredients. Each menu sheet changes with the seasons – expect dishes like chow-chow mignonette with British oysters or 'pot liquor' poured over East Sussex mushrooms. And don't even get us started on the vegetarian options – fried green tomato salad on a pickled ginger gravy base, anyone? Or the 'hillbilly loaf' with cultured apple butter? This place is a must-visit for foodies and meat-eaters alike!