OutPost is one of London’s best kept secrets

The ultimate event space

OutPost prides itself on its ability to host a range of different events, and being home to a number of large rooms (all of which have very distinct vibes) we think it does so with aplomb. Perhaps you’re looking for a private space to hold a meeting or celebration? For such events, OutPost recommends its ‘Garden Room’, where ‘sunlight and serenity’ are the order of the day. Light-filled, and complete with tonnes of greenery, there’s plenty of space to get down to business or dance the night away. ‘The Library’ – with a capacity of 30 people – is smaller, but no less inviting. Elegant and cosy, it’s ideal for small get-togethers and functions, as well as intimate dinners. For something totally relaxed, we love The Bar: a welcoming space, brilliant for ‘hosting the warmth and colour you’ll need to feel at ease’. It holds up to 150 people and has plenty of seating as well as standing space.

Even if you’re not planning to host your own party, dinner or meeting, OutPost holds a number of different events throughout the year. Each Friday and Saturday  the venue hosts the best local DJs, and every Sunday evening it plays its album of the week through the huge sound system. You can also expect to see live sporting events, interviews with artist, journalists and musicians, and quiz nights.

The best of Italian cookery

OutPost doesn’t just host events or provide entertainment spaces — it caters for them too! At the heart of this London gem are a selection of stunning plates of food and great tipples. Inspired by dishes from all across Italy, the dishes are all fresh, seasonal and beautifully presented. The stone baked pizzas are as authentic as you like, prepared using only the finest ingredients. The ‘nice and spicy’ pizza – topped with oregano infused tomato sauce, Fior di Latte mozzarella, ‘Nduja sausage laced with chilli, and Peppadew peppers – is not for the faint hearted, and we can’t recommend the ‘Gone Trufflin’ number enough: decadent and rich, it’s filled with black truffle paste, mushrooms and smoky speck ham. If you’re looking for something other than pizza, the caesar salad is fresh and light — prepared with ciabatta croutons, olive oil, roasted chickens and romaine lettuce. If you’re in a group, there are a couple of sharing platters that are bound to go down a treat. Those avoiding meat will enjoy the veggie sharer — made with Peppadew peppers, olives, courgette, chilli jam, red onions, goats cheese, applewood stilton, rocket and garlic bread. For the more carnivorous amongst us, opt for the ultimate sharer, made with salami from Naples, fennel salami, speck ham, and more. Yum!

No meal is complete without something sweet, and happily, desserts at OutPost are just as good as the pizzas: incidentally, some of the desserts are pizzas! The Sicilian is a sugar dusted pizza base, baked and topped with a generous spread of lemon curd, topped with crunchy meringue, succulent berries and rich mascarpone. Equally decadent is the Hackney Gelato coupe: three scoops of any three flavours of ice cream — choices including pistachio, Madagascan vanilla, and dark chocolate sorbetto. For something slightly more reserved, you can’t go wrong with the affogato – prepared simply with vanilla ice cream and a shot of Julius Meinl Espresso. Polish off your meal with a fine dessert wine, and you’re onto a winner.

And to drink…

On the subject of wine, there are plenty of drink options available at OutPost — whether you’re in the mood for something alcoholic or not. Alongside a number of tasty Italian numbers (Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano, Chianti, Gavi La Battistina), there are wines from further afield, and a couple of biodynamic and natural options too. Cocktail-wise, there’s a whole section dedicated to Italian-style concoctions (like Aperol Spritz, Bellini, and Negroni), as well as a selection of classic choices like Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, and Espresso Martinis. 

Don’t forget that it’s happy hour every weekday between 5-7pm! There are also a range of draught, bottled and canned beers available: real highlights include Brixton Reliance, a locally crafted pale ale with aromas of pine and citrus, and the Blue Moon Beer, a Belgian style wheat beer from the US, with notes of orange peel and coriander. The staff are also more than happy to whip up an alcohol-free cocktail, and if you’re in the mood for a hot drink, you’ll be in safe hands with the expert baristas.

What we like most about OutPost is its ability to do serval things well. A cultural/ events space that serves great food and drinks, plays excellent music, and offers a wonderful setting — what could be more enticing? OutPost is a bit of an all-rounder, and has something to offer just about everyone. A London must-visit.