Blinds - Review - Hackney - London - The Infatuation

"If you put the name and location of this wine bar into Google, you’re much more likely to find an assortment of motorised shutter deals than any kind of nod to its existence. But Blinds does exist. It’s right there on Hackney Road, oozing laid-back charm and cultivating an understated, late-afternoon in Belleville atmosphere that makes the chilled Carambouille go down all the easier. In a city full of wine bars that are all about a ‘see and be seen’ mentality, Blinds is about disappearing for a casual, anonymous glass of something so delightful that you decide to invite a bottle of it back to yours. With a short menu divided into our interpretation of the four main food groups—snacks, fish, cheese, pies—you don’t need to commit endless hours to eating here. Order anything that can act as a zesty, oil-soaked accessory to Blind’s leading carbohydrate lady: the thick, fluffy seeded bread. Or embrace the fact that smoked almonds and milky slices of French cheese go great with nostalgic play-by-plays of stories that have become part of your friendship’s lore. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Pause Unmute FYI, it’s walk-in-only and we like it that way—chatty locals nabbing a stool out front and smitten hand-holders being lured in by the white orb lights, then cancelling their cinema plans for another glass of funky-lite Weiss orange wine. May Blinds never embrace SEO so that it remains the perfect place to go to when you don’t want to be found. Food Rundown Bread & Butter Fated to be dunked, dipped, and mopped, this bouncy, thick bread has ‘sponge’ in its DNA and a lovely lingering oaty flavour. It’s also packed to the rafters with seeds that will make you realise you’re ready to move on from sourdough’s air bubbles for something more substantial. photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Burrata, Pistachio, Lemon Zest & Olive Oil Another day, another burrata. Thankfully, Blinds have breathed new zesty lemon life into this dairy déjà vu dish. Smear it onto the bread alongside the pistachio pieces for a crunchy, creamy bite. photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley" - Heidi Lauth Beasley