Once again we’re in the trendy Broadway Market in Tooting to visit the new and innovative bar Tap 13. It’s 100% zero waste, but what about the taste?
Rating:
In a Word:
Intimate
Appeals to:
Mainly locals, some of whom are regulars. There are couples, mates having an after-work drink and the occasional passer-by who spontaneously decides to have a glass of something.
Introduction
With impressive food and drink venues such as Plot, The Sea Garden & Grill and Craft Tooting, Broadway Market isn’t packing up anytime soon. I’ve previously said on Tasting Britain that if you’re going to try a new concept for a bar or restaurant, then this is one of the best places to try it out. Full of unique ideas, you’ll find a surprise in every corner of the market. One such surprise is Tap 13, a new zero waste bar created by Paul Belcher of The Tapas Room and DSC Imports. So, what makes this one so special?
Zero Waste
There’s no denying the positive impact having a zero waste venue can have on the environment and a number of establishments in the food and drink industry have adopted this approach. The concept of Tap 13 is very simple; just 13 taps, no bottles, no mixers and definitely no disposable plastic. (Remember single use plastic is our enemy!) So you go from the tap, to the glass to your mouth without any fancy mixing or tricks. Sounds boring? Actually no. It’s rather intriguing. Anyway, we’re all for conserving the planet aren’t we? All drinks are stored in recyclable kegs and you can even takeaway your favourite drink in a reusable 1 or 2 litre ‘growler’. What more do you want?
Interior
Just like their concept, the bar is clean, minimalist and uncomplicated. You have a wood-panel bar top with metal stools, excellent low lighting and a plain wall directly opposite with 13 shiny, silver taps. There are exactly three cocktails, four wines (one being a frizzante), two ciders and four beers to choose from and you can see which is which on the board above the taps. Obviously it’s a small space, but it’s intimate and cosy.
Time For Drinks
So, we’re sitting at the bar, having a chat with Bel and Paul (of Tap 13) while we’re going through a few drinks. (Don’t worry, we’re not attempting all 13!) However, I work my way through the cocktail list and Jack goes through the beers.
The Cocktails
They get their supply of cocktail mixes from the One Point Eight company which work exceedingly well on tap. Their Expresso Martini has a Guinness-look about it and is beautifully presented with a couple of coffee beans floating on the froth. Be warned though, there seems to be more martini than coffee in the mix so it’s strong!
The following cocktails Blood Orange Cosmo and Rhubarb & Rose Spritz are less intense and easy to drink. It’s unusual for me to like anything with rhubarb in but it’s a delicious summer drink. My favourite however, is the Blood Orange Cosmo. It’s fruity, light and just a little bit dangerous…You can’t really taste the alcohol so it’s extremely easy to drink!
The Beers
As I’m starting to get sleepy, Jack gets through the beer list. There is only one international beer which is the Austrian Steigl, the rest come from the Bullfinch Brewery – a new establishment in South London. They’ve certainly made an impression on Jack.
You may want to eat before you check the bar out but there is a small selection of tasty bar snacks if you prefer something light. The biltong, is a particular favourite of ours.
Conclusion
So Jack and I may have overdone it – just a little I promise! But this is a small, friendly bar with a big heart. There are some beautiful flavours here as well as excellent service. You can easily have a drink – or three…here without feeling guilty – about polluting the planet at least!
Details
Unit E5 Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, London SW17 8HF