It seems like the corner of Marmion Road and Victoria Road South has lately become something of a haven for foodies! So I was excited to visit Crushed & Cured recently – Southsea’s newest wine bar and deli – located next to fellow independent local businesses Marmion House and Arepa 2GO.
First Impressions
First impressions were good. With floor to ceiling windows looking onto the pavement outside, Crushed & Cured feels just like the neighbourhood wine bar you always wanted. Inside, there’s a clean and welcoming feel. Hints of industrial style from the shelves and lighting are softened by a Scandi-type hygge courtesy of the wooden shelves and tables, and there’s plenty of candlelight too.
Wine Tasting Events
We’d decided to join owner George and around 20 guests for one of Crushed & Cured’s wine tasting events. We were a family group of five, spanning the generations from ages 27 to 90, and we all had an equally enjoyable time!
George runs these events every month or so, often around a specific country theme, and we’d chosen the Wines of Italy evening. We got to try three whites and three reds, and to share tasting boards of charcuterie and cheeses around the table.
The wines were well chosen. There were classics such as a rich and juicy chianti, as well some less-typically Italian grapes like a smooth and complex Sicilian viognier – probably our favourite of the evening. Each wine was introduced with a short and well-pitched talk from George – with enough information to be interesting and informative but never becoming too technical.
The charcuterie selection was plentiful and tasty, and the cheeses were delicious. In fact, we discovered a big new favourite called Rollright – a luscious and creamy, gooey Cotswolds cheese.
At around £40 a head, these events aren’t cheap. However the wine servings were very generous, the sharing boards were high-quality, and it all made for a pleasant and unhurried evening. If you have your ‘drinking boots’ on, I’d say it can work out as good value for money. (Other locals must agree, as they’re now sold out until the end of the year).
Shop and Wine Bar
The good news is that Crushed & Cured, which is part shop and part-wine-bar, is a great spot for a more informal visit too.
If you’re looking to buy a wine for a gift or date night, there’s a decent and well laid-out selection to choose from, starting from around £10 a bottle. (Or if you prefer to enjoy your purchase onsite, you can pay an additional corkage fee of £10 and crack it open there and then!)
Alternatively, you can take one of the tables with a partner or group of friends and sit down with a bottle from a good wine menu. Even better I think, would be to experiment a little by trying a few different tipples from a list of wines available by the glass. The food and snacks menu – featuring lots of cheese, cured meat and tapas-style dishes – is thoughtfully compiled too, and includes good options for veggie and gluten free eating.
The Lowdown
In summary, Crushed & Cured is a welcome addition to the city’s wine scene. It’s certainly handy to have another independent bottle shop, while George’s wine tasting events are ideal for a gift or special occasion. Crushed & Cured’s biggest attraction for me, however, is that it makes for a relaxed and cosy neighbourhood wine bar. I know I’ll be back soon to sit down and enjoy a few glasses, accompanied by some delicious Welsh charcuterie and English cheeses. Cheers!
