London street food market group, Kerb is launching a new concept with Kerb Counter, a bar and test kitchen space in the centre of Shoreditch, with exclusive collaborations, pop-ups and food residencies from a roster of food entrepreneurs.
The space will open this Thursday 10 February with a residency by From The Ashes BBQ, a nose to tail concept from ex-Temper chefs, born out of lockdown.
Kerb Counter’s test kitchen will play host to a rotation of food residencies, pop-ups, new ideas and never-seen-before collaborations, all with an emphasis on supporting and empowering emerging food talent.
It’s a place to try the latest talent on the Kerb books, where they're a rising star of Seven Dials Market or a spin-off idea from a veteran of the London food scene.
Counter’s all-day bar will see the development of new cocktails and a rotating range of drinks worked on in collaboration with our brilliant partners - Gipsy Hill Brewing Co, East London Liquor and Redemption Coffee.
Kerb Counter will serve as the test site for the most innovative talent on the scene before moving on to venues Kerb runs across the city. Sustainability is key here too, rewarding customers bringing in reusable cups, pushing a no straw policy and using kegged wine from Bibendum.
Walk-ins for drinks and snacks will be available in the upstairs space, with reserved tables for a sit down dining experience in the main dining room downstairs. The dining element will be open Wednesday to Saturday to give chefs the time off they need, with the cafe open daily for excellent coffee and light bites Monday to Saturday.
CEO Simon Mitchell said, “Kerb Counter is an exciting opportunity for Kerb to showcase exactly what we are about. Incubation and acceleration of food entrepreneurs – whether they're in the Kerb fold or not! – is what we formed Kerb to do back in 2012 and it's still massively important to us today! I'm excited by the roster of talent we'll be supporting through Kerb Counter.”
The project is headed up by three long-standing Kerb team members who’ve been instrumental in the success of other venues, ensuring delivery is on-point at every moment.
Husain Mapara, who is the cocktail mastermind on drinks and bar service; James Brookes, dedicated to food and trader incubation; and Hannah Walton, the hospitality queen who’ll be ensuring service runs as smoothly as the food.
Finally, the wider Kerb trader network is fully plugged in as a discounted members space to work and host meetings where they can cook up their next big idea.
From The Ashes are the first to take the helm at Counter with a menu of Mexican inspired, barbecue dishes. At the centre of the menu, you’ll find sharing dishes made for two people; Short Rib Barbacoa and Achiote Celeriac both served with tortillas, pico de gallo and house made pickles.
A selection of tacos feature; classic Cochinita Pibil, Lamb and Anchovy with their own 'pie liquor' and Crispy Aubergine with chipotle and queso fresco. Sides, bar snacks and a range of salsas complete the opening menu at Counter. Prices range from £5 - £24.
Kerb will be announcing the next entrepreneurs on their roster in the coming weeks.