Spotlight on… Hops Burns & Black

One of the more recent must-visit areas along Deptford High Street is the regenerated hub of Deptford Market Yard which has become a thriving, local centre for the community with a range of shops, cafes and much-loved restaurants. Many of the businesses, including our highlighted store, Hops Burns & Black, are located within the historic railway arches. Once a disused area with little community value has now become a burgeoning part of south-east London.

Deptford Market Yard has a unique history as the expansive ramp which covers the length of the arches, is in fact, the oldest railway structure in London, and goes back as far as 1835. The arches were used as storage for passenger carriages, as well as horses. Those arches have now been reconfigured into some of the best local businesses in the area.

Make sure you take a wander around the arches as you will see plaques and information which explores Deptford’s rich history.

In the spirit of celebrating this fascinating area, we have highlighted one of our favourite small businesses which has become a regular go-to.

Who is Hops Burns & Black

London’s most lauded ‘bottle’ shop with a plethora of accolades to their name, including UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Retailer at the 2018 SIBA Business Awards. The business was founded on a love of craft ale and hot sauce…with the eventual addition of some fabulous, natural wines. It really is bottle heaven and you could find yourself perusing the shelves for a large chunk of an afternoon, for the variety seems endless. What sets this business apart is that they only stock products from independent suppliers with a strong focus on ethical practices. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the produce, so if are looking for a specific wine or beer pairing, just ask and they’ll come up with some stellar recommendations.

In addition to the many libations, you will find one of the most comprehensive selection of hot sauces anywhere – just make sure you read the labels carefully as there are some particularly fiery condiments that would make even the most ardent hot sauce connoisseur blush.

Best Wine

Our preferred glass is always a fruity, well-rounded red but in the interest of research we have found a selection of tempting tipples to suit all palates:

Te Whare Ra Toru White

This three-blend white wine is the consummate crowd-pleaser. A great starting off point if you’re looking for a quaffable wine that will appeal to many. It works beautifully on its own or with a variety of food – great with a classic roast dinner, we’ve discovered. Exquisite flavours of red apple, mango and lychee, with a touch of spice. Best served ice-cold.

Metic Cabernet Sauvignon

This deeply rich, full-bodied red with hints of vanilla is bursting with juicy, dark fruit. It’s a complex yet beautifully accessible red. It works particularly well with red meat or even a BBQ. We like the fact there is a careful process behind the production with limited use of sulphur. Also, this wine is entirely vegan friendly.

Lo Petit Fantet d’Hippolyte

We have to admit, the adorable label attracted us to this wine in the first instance. However, beyond the aesthetics, this is one of the most delightful organic reds, and it’s no surprise to find that this is a best-seller product. Notes of thyme, black cherry and wood-spice gives this wine a moreish, savoury finish, and it goes beautifully well with cheese-based dishes. Perfect excuse for a cheese board, we think.

Best Beer

If you’re looking for craft beer with no nasties you have come to the right place. Here’s our pick of the most delicious brews:

Verdant Sundialer Pale Ale 5%

If you’re a fan of pale ale, this refreshing number is a total find. This is a New England style ale with three fruity hops. It’s a lovely, soft ale with fragrant notes of vanilla and apricot. We think this would suit someone new to pale ale, or looking for something fairly mild in flavour. On an entirely different note, we also think the design of this can is gorgeous – we do love a good aesthetic.

Little Palais

This vegan IPA packs a punch with flavour with notes of fruit and weeds – definitely for the seasoned ale drinker. We chose this for its complex flavour, as we think this would match well with someone who is a fan of the classic IPA.

Beak Hum Pale

Bursting with the most incredible tropical fruit flavours, this is one of our favourite pale ales. There is no subtly here, and that’s what we like about it. This ale is a proper full-bodied brew, made with Cashmere, Idaho 7 and Motueka hops. Serve ice-cold.

Best Hot Sauce

Looking to liven up the week-day dinner? This selection of hot sauces goes from mild through to molten-lava hot – choose with caution!

Deptford Super Fruity Hot Sauce (Medium heat)

If you like a hot sauce loaded with fruit this is the ultimate pick. This tasty concoction contains oodles of pineapple, passionfruit and mango. It’s sweet, sour, with the perfect amount of heat coming from yellow habaneros. Great for a variety of dishes, including salads and chicken.

Truffle Hound Gourmet Truffle Hot Sauce (Medium heat)

If you like your hot sauce with slightly more finesse, this rich truffle offering is one to bring out on those special occasions. This decadent recipe is made with organic chile de arbol, ghost pepper and summer truffles. There’s no added sugar or any of those nasty preservatives. We love this sauce with roast chicken, would you believe.

Extreme Karma X Hot Sauce (Super-Hot)

Only experienced hot sauce aficionados need apply. This is one to blow your socks off. You may have even heard about this particular sauce as it famously made an appearance on ‘Hot Ones’ Season 5. This potent sauce is made from a mixture of Trinidad Scorpion, Moruga and Bhut Jolokia hot peppers. It’s certainly delicious but extremely hot – you have been warned.

Can you have a drink there?

Although the shop itself is small inside, there are tables outside in which to enjoy a refreshing beverage. On those particularly warm days during the sunnier months, the staff are always happy to accommodate and bring out extra seating for their customers.