Peckham is hardly short on rooftop bars. It basically invented the modern model with Frank’s. But most of the neighbourhood’s sky-high watering holes lose their edge in winter when exposed to the elements. For views in any season, head to Forza Wine, a bar with the best of both worlds: an outdoor, bench-filled terrace and an indoor area with tall tables and glass doors revealing that skyline. We visited the fifth floor (above Rye Lane’s latest development, co-working space Market Peckham) on a dreary Saturday and were still captivated by The Shard and co-stars behind a grey veil.
Indoors, it’s compact. Like, seriously so. One flustered American vented to staff, ‘How do I get to my table?’ after another guest shuffled his chair to enjoy the views, turning the room into a one-way system. Staff managed it with precision, chicaning between tables.
The bar is a spin-off from Peckham’s much-loved Italian restaurant Forza Win (see what they did there?), and the drinks and snacks fly il Tricolore. A Garibaldi (Campari, orange, sugar syrup) suited lunchtime imbibing, while my friend delighted in a tangy Amaretto Sour (both £8), before we both moved onto a cracking glass of Verdicchio. True to its name, this bar takes the grape stuff seriously. And snacks are substantial enough to build a meal from – including meatballs made extra succulent by a red wine jus.
Forza Wine has just scrapped its online booking system, so anticipate queues similar to those at Frank’s as soon as spring comes round.