El Vermut — Restaurant in London

If you’re lucky enough to live in Nunhead, you’ve probably already discovered El Vermut – and if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. We’ve been coming here ever since we moved to the neighbourhood, and it’s become our go-to for everything from lazy weekend drinks to big life celebrations.

Most recently, we celebrated my 50th here, and it was nothing short of perfect. Maria, who runs the show, was her brilliant self – warm, organised, and effortlessly on top of everything. Emily made sure the drinks kept flowing and that everything was beautifully handled. The whole bar team here is exceptional – not just in how they serve, but in the way they carry themselves, the energy they bring, and the genuine welcome they give every guest.

We had almost 50 people comfortably tucked into their gorgeous garden, which somehow felt intimate and buzzing all at once. The décor – with its mix of Catalan charm and eclectic details – couldn’t have been a better fit for our ‘Goldrush’ theme. It’s such a rare thing to find a space that feels this special, this flexible, and this alive.

A little local secret: El Vermut is an honest, loving replica of La Vermu, a Catalan vermouth bar in Barcelona – and it’s every bit as good as the real thing.

We left with full hearts, happy friends, and the kind of memories you can only make in a place that truly gets...

Really like this place but the last times I’ve been in the staff have changed and it’s really ruined what in my opinion was a lovely authentic Spanish bar.

The bar staff seem to be more focussed on their phones and their drinks, chatting with each other and having a laugh rather than serving drinks. It’s a shame since the previous and ‘usual’ team are so pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful.

One anecdote to illustrate the point: I sat at the bar waiting to be served, placing my empty glasses on the bar as a cue. After some time (not because others were being served) I catch eye contact with one of the bar staff, they stop for a sec then turn around to the other bar staff throw their hands over their head and start dancing while moving away. This was while club bangers play over the stereo which made for a strange atmosphere in a relaxed Spanish bar (subjective I know)

It’s a shame and I really don’t mean to bash this place. It is a really good bar, but the recent change in staff have let it down. Hopefully it can be returned to what it was...

My friend brought me to El Velmut yesterday as part of our early Christmas celebration. It was incredibly busy and tight for space, at least at the start...

... which is why the staff should be celebrated. In a small popular London bar, it would be easy to just let squished footfall flow and be at it. However, the staff actively adapted. We had a lovely bar staff member give us a heads up on wait times and try to adapt the service to cut down lines waiting and sitting. The team were really welcoming despite having a lot to balance and quick.

That's not forgetting that the drinks and the snacks were really tasty all on their on.

El Vermut is the perfect first date or mate meet-up venue. It's off the beaten track for Nunhead and has music events and karaoke on some nights. I would advise plan ahead... which we didn't do too well, to work out the best time to get in. It has ample seating and a decor and vibe but definitely is popular with the hip crowd...