Dangerously close to the Exposed office, the increasingly vibrant Merchants Court on Mowbray Street recently welcomed another independent business to its small but growing collection of retailers, creatives and bars.
Merchants House is the latest project from the team behind Alder Bar – the Kelham favourite known for top-notch beer, DIY events and a friendly, community-led feel. While Alder nails the cosy, ‘pub quiz with a cheese and onion sarnie’ angle, their new spot takes a more polished approach: think stylish European-inspired hangout serving up quality wines by the glass, aperitivo cocktails, spritzes and an ever-changing selection of pintxos and small plates.
A couple of months back, you might’ve missed the entrance entirely. But with new signage, better lighting and a steady hum of courtyard activity, it’s now hard to walk past without having a nosey. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for the warm months – or the brave souls tackling autumn spritz season al fresco – and right across the courtyard, you’ll find a private events space soon to be hosting all manner of cultural goings-on.
Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly roomy, bistro-style bar with a bright, modern feel. Tables for two? Sorted. Big booth for the group chat? Also covered. It feels trendy without trying too hard – a nice level for after-work drinks, impromptu date nights or lingering over a lazy Saturday afternoon spritz.
In a picky mood on a Friday afternoon, Exposed got stuck into the small plates menu – and first off, the pricing’s spot on. Two quid for pork belly with spicy mayo, three for spicy chorizo cooked in Spanish cider and a fiver for a baked camembert with hunks of crusty bread? Sure, they’re exactly what they say on the tin – small plates and bar snacks – but I’ve easily paid double (sometimes triple) at places really making the most out of the UK’s growing love for small plate culture.
The boquerones – fresh anchovy fillets marinated in vinegar – come perched on crispy baguette slices with a dollop of tuna salad, joined by the aforementioned spicy chorizo bites, plus a generously sized camembert for dipping and Gouda cubes with Dijon mustard and celery salt (seriously, give it a go – immensely snackable). All that comes to less than £20. Split it between two or three pals and you’re laughing.
Drinks-wise, you’re in good hands. As well as 15 wines by the glass, there’s an expertly curated cocktail list than leans towards classic European with a twist. Think Negronis, Americanos and Spagliato, plus a solid Martini section (go dirty for an extra £2), alongside a sharp-looking Paloma and a cheeky Kalimotxo if red wine and Coke sounds like your sort of blend.
Spritz more your thing? Aperol, Campari, Limoncello, Mango & Passionfruit and Lillet Rose are all available at £7.50 a pop. You’ll also find a rotating Spritz of the Week on the specials board if you’re feeling adventurous.
With such consideration put into everything else, it won’t surprise you to hear that the beer offering is also pretty special. On the 12 tap lines, continental lagers sit alongside local brews and craft pours – plus a Guinness for under a fiver (a rarity in these parts) – along with three ciders and two draught wines. There’s plenty more to choose from in the bottle fridges, too.
So, vibe check complete – and the result’s in. Merchants House is a hugely welcome addition to the ever-evolving, ever-expanding Kelham food and drink scene. With a solid concept, smart execution and something a little different on offer, it feels like the Alder team may well have another local institution in the making. Don’t believe us? Pop in for aperitivo hour and see for yourself.
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