Greenwood (Bar)

Top 10 things to know about Greenwood:

1) We all love a story that involves rising up to the top against all the odds: Andy Murray; Leicester City; and now the Nova building in Victoria - grey government buildings turned into a modern, vibrant foodie destination of choice.

2) One of the stars of Nova is Greenwood sports bar and restaurant near Victoria station. It is the polar opposite of the stuffy, old-fashioned British pub; it’s dynamite, buzzing, with high ceilings and enough polished copper to keep the Royal Mint busy for a while.

3) If Carlsberg did sports lounges, they would look like Greenwood: five giant screens showing domestic and international sports day and night. This is therefore the place to watch the live Champions League football matches, Premiership games, golf, tennis, darts, cricket, rugby, motor racing and boxing. There is also an American 8-Ball pool table and two shuffleboards for active sports fans.

4) Greenwood is too trendy to sell simple Carlsberg. They offer their own London brewed ale from Long Arm Brewing Co as well as other quirky craft beer brands.

5) Gin is also making a strong comeback here. Most are UK produced, and the list is longer than the number of grand slam wins by Roger Federer.

6) You don't win without being brave and their specials are where you see the more daring manoeuvres: Devonshire goat carpaccio; pulled blackface lamb burgers; or venison bavette, anyone?

7) Like all great coaches, you welcome international influences from abroad to improve your own team. Poached hake is invigorated with a spicy Thai mussel broth and complemented with healthy doses of pak choi.

8) To be a world-beater, you need to have strong bones. What better way to boost your calcium levels than finishing off your meal with a fine selection of cheeses from all corners of the British Isles.

9) In a year during which the impossible became reality, it is no surprise that Victoria has blossomed into a culinary oasis. Greenwood has paid no small part in making this a success story. ...read more