Shoreditch Wine Bar Nekter Announces Exclusive Michelin-Starred Toastie Series
London's culinary landscape continues to elevate humble comfort foods to gourmet heights, with gourmet pizzas, bougie burgers, and Michelin-starred chips becoming commonplace across the capital. Now, the classic toasted sandwich is receiving the luxury treatment at Shoreditch's acclaimed wine bar and deli, Nekter.
The Rise of Gourmet Sandwiches in London
In recent years, London has witnessed a remarkable transformation in sandwich culture. Dal Fiorentino has captivated Londoners with its signature schiacciata sandwiches since 2022, recently expanding to Notting Hill in March. Meanwhile, Mondo To Go has just debuted in Deptford, bringing sub sandwiches conceived by the team behind Camberwell's popular Cafe Mondo. This gourmet sandwich movement represents a significant shift in how Londoners approach casual dining.
Nekter's Wine and Culinary Vision
Nekter launched in Shoreditch during summer 2025 with a distinctive mission: pairing low-intervention wines with chef collaborations from some of Britain's finest Michelin-starred restaurants. Founded by wine importer Jon Davey, the establishment focuses exclusively on wines produced outside Europe, featuring over 100 selections from California, South Africa, and Australia, with bottles ranging from £18 to £400.
Davey's decade-long experience supplying top restaurants nationwide, including Ynyshir, The Fat Duck in Bray, and Shoreditch's own The Clove Club, has established the relationships necessary for this ambitious toastie project. These connections with culinary icons have paved the way for what promises to be London's most luxurious toasted sandwich series.
The Inaugural Michelin-Starred Toastie
The series launches on April 14 with 'The Ynyshir,' a £20 masterpiece created by Welsh chef Gareth Ward, whose restaurant Ynyshir holds two Michelin stars. This exceptional sandwich features a milk roll base filled with Fat Cow cheese from the Scottish Highlands, black truffle, and shiitake mushroom ketchup. Given Ward's esteemed reputation and the premium ingredients, this creation represents a significant departure from traditional toasted sandwiches.
Future Culinary Collaborations
Nekter has secured an impressive roster of Michelin-starred talent for subsequent toastie releases. Chef Alex Bond from Alchemilla and the culinary team behind Kent's The Fordwich Arms are scheduled to take over the kitchen. Additionally, nose-to-tail Italian-inspired restaurant Manteca will contribute to the evolving toastie menu, with further collaborations to be announced throughout the year.
Nekter's Dual Identity
The establishment operates with a unique dual concept: functioning as a deli and coffee spot during daytime hours before transforming into an intimate wine bar in the evening. This flexibility allows Nekter to cater to different crowds throughout the day while maintaining its focus on quality food and drink experiences.
Located at 3 Bowl Court, EC2A 3B, Nekter represents the continuing evolution of London's dining scene, where casual formats meet exceptional culinary talent. The Michelin-starred toastie series demonstrates how even the simplest dishes can be transformed through collaboration with world-class chefs and premium ingredients.
