My Plate & Place with… Max Venning

In 2019, at the much-coveted CLASS Magazine Awards, Three Sheets won Best Bar in the UK, with Max winning Best Bartender. In February 2019, he collaborated to open Top Cuvée, a neighbourhood wine bar in North London, which has grown into Shop Cuvée, the UK’s premier Natural Wine retailer. Max, alongside Noel, were listed as the 1000th Most Influential Londoners in the last Evening Standard list published. In 2018, Max partnered with Coca Cola to launch the Signature Mixers range across Europe.

Max co-wrote the critically acclaimed book, Batched & Bottled Cocktails which was published in 2017, and is now running on its second edition, selling across 20 countries globally.

Describe your perfect day in London?

Waking up early and getting out for a walk or jog around Victoria Park. I’d finish at Pavilion for a coffee and a pastry, or their incredible Sri Lankan breakfast if I’m particularly hungry.

I’d then head down to the Tate Modern by foot or bike to catch whatever exhibitions they have on, or just explore the free ones. After that, I’d enjoy a long, lazy lunch at Bouchon Racine and take a stroll into Soho for a half at The French House. This would be followed by a Martini or two at my bar which I co-own with my brother, Noel – Three Sheets Soho, along with some oysters and a lobster roll for a light dinner. If there’s still some energy left, I’d head to Scarfes Bar for a cocktail and some live music.

Favourite restaurant?

So many great spots that it’s hard to choose just one, so let me have two if that’s allowed. Quality Wines is my most frequented restaurant; Nick Bramham’s cooking is simple and delicious, and I haven’t ever had a dish there that wasn’t a hit. It’s well-priced, the wine list is great, and the staff are truly wonderful.

If I’m going to splurge, then I don’t think you can beat Ikoyi. The cooking is so precise, with flavours and spices you won’t have experienced before—it’s the best meal I can remember anywhere on the planet.

Best place for brunch?

I’m not massively into sit down brunches, so normally I’ll grab a Bagel from Papo’s in Dalston and sit in the park. Otherwise, if I wanted to go for a hearty breakfast, it’s hard to beat Terry’s Cafe in Bermondsey. I’d recommend getting there early as there’s often a wait. 

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

MoMA in New York when I was there last month – it’s my favourite gallery. In London, the Tate Modern as mentioned earlier, and Sir John Soane’s Museum.

Where are the best places to shop?

Lamb’s Conduit Street has some great boutiques, and it’s a short walk from Soho and Mayfair, which have pretty much everything you need. 

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

Obviously, I love having a drink in either of the Three Sheets (Dalston & Soho), The George around the corner on Great Portland Street is a great pub, and if you want something a little livelier, The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green is always busy with a great playlist

Most relaxing place to unwind?

Walthamstow Wetlands and up the Lea Valley really makes you feel like you’ve left London. It’s a great place for a long walk and you’ll catch some wildlife. 

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

I’d spend the day in the West End and Mayfair, avoiding Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. There’s great shopping and food and drink and plenty of access to museums and galleries.

What is your top London tip?

Use your feet or jump on a Lime bike. Avoid the tube if you can, as it can make the city feel more disconnected. If you’re here for a short trip, don’t try and fit too much in, and if you find a spot you’re enjoying, just stay. The pub culture is great here and try and catch some live music, too.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

We are six months into the Soho opening which is going very well. In addition, we’ve just launched a new food menu and will announce some news soon on that front.

We’re about to embark on a few trips to do pop-ups across Europe and in Canada, Sri Lanka, and Australia, so we’ll have a busy run up until Christmas and then we’ll start to look at the next project in London. 

For some of the most exceptional cocktails in London, a visit to Three Sheets is a must.