Brilliant Corners, Dalston (London): natural wine, Japanese food and music
Brilliant Corners is one of what I call the Dalston Trifecta. Head out to this zippy part of east London and begin at Dan’s, then head to Brilliant Corners, and then to Newcomer Wines. They are close to each other and all three are brilliant destinations for wine lovers. Here I’m reporting on Brilliant Corners, which was the middle segment in a Friday evening trifecta a few weeks ago.
It’s a restaurant, it’s a natural wine bar, and it is also a cool music venue. Go early if you aren’t a fan of music at decent volume, go later if you want a DJ set. You have two choices: make a reservation for the set menu and sit in the restaurant area, or sit at the bar. I like sitting at the bar. Then you can order dishes a la carte, or you can also do the set menu.
The food is Japanese and it’s really good, and I especially recommend the vegan set menu, which the one I’ve had on my last three visits. Everything is spot on.
The wine list is natural, and quite diverse, and fairly priced. We opted for the Octavin Hip Hip J Pinot from the Jura.
L’Octavin Hip Hip J… Pinot Noir 2023 Jura
This is juicy, fresh and fine with bright redcurrant and cherry fruit as well as a hint of acid lift. So expressive and vibrant with a sour cherry edge. There’s a real mineral tension here. 94/100
Then we tasted through some Mezcal. This was fun.
Luneta Papalometl (https://www.lunetaspirits.com/papalometl)
Fermented in bull hide. Then distilled twice in copper and stainless steel. Smoky, spicy, intense. Amazing palate – smoky, spicy and intense with richness and density. The finish is eternal. Textured, rich and fine with lovely intensity. 9.5/10
Luneta Mexicano Agave
Nice green herbal edge to the nose. Smoky and interesting with lovely texture and depth. Such interest here: complex and textural. 9.5/10
El Comandante Agave Tobasiche
This is rich, warm and ripe with a taut smoky edge to the sweet pear and aniseed fruit. Warm, sweet, rich and spicy. Lovely depth. 9/10
