Robin Gill opens Bar Brasso

Chef-restaurateur Robin Gill has launched Bar Brasso – a coffee bar, deli and bakery by day, and aperitivo tapas bar by night. 

Located next door to Darby's in Nine Elms, the venue is inspired by the bar culture of San Sebastián and Venice. 

About Bar Brasso

By day (8am–5pm), Bar Brasso operates as a café-deli, serving house-baked pastries, sandwiches, salads and a rotating menu of comforting dishes such as baked chicken thighs with tomato, olive and caper fondue, and stracciatella, Delica pumpkin, sage and pumpkin seed pesto. A deli counter stocked with cured meats, cheeses, breads and speciality dried produce is available to eat in or take away. 

From Tuesday to Saturday (5pm–10pm), Bar Brasso transitions into an aperitivo bar inspired by the Venetian Bacari, centred around a long, white marble counter. It will offer a concise menu of snacks and small plates, with dishes ranging from £3 to £12, with larger plates designed to be shared or paired with a drink at the bar. 

Highlights include porcini arancini, cod brandade with garlic chips, Bombette Pugliesi and beef shin Bolognese served with bread and 24-month Parmesan. The Bourdain Toastie, a grilled toastie of Franceschini Mortadella 'Opera' and fontina, inspired by the late food writer's favourite sandwich, will also be offered.

Charcuterie and cheese platters will be served in the evenings, while the dessert selection includes Campari and blood orange sorbetto, affogato and tiramisu, made to a family recipe. 

The drinks programme is rooted in aperitivo culture, with Campari-led cocktails, a daily happy hour (5pm–7pm) offering £5 Negronis and £6 spritzes, alongside vermouths, digestivi and wines by the glass.

The space itself takes cues from traditional Bacari and pintxos bars with warm wood panelling, tiled floors and long white marble counters for drinking and dining. 

"With Bar Brasso, I wanted to create a space that feels alive from morning to night – somewhere you can start your day with coffee and pastries, and return in the evening for a glass of wine, a delicious, affordable Negroni and a few sharing plates with friends," says Gill. "It's about that effortless sense of hospitality you find in San Sabastián and Venice."

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