Emmanuelle: The Drunken Butler founder to launch ‘intimate’ wine bar in Clerkenwell

The founder of Clerkenwell’s modern Persian restaurant The Drunken Butler will open a new wine bar in March.

Yuma Hashemi is set to launch the 20-cover Emmanuelle opposite his restaurant on Rosebury Avenue as a more informal space, serving new, old, natural and biodynamic wines alongside champagnes, cocktails, and snacks to share.

Hashemi said he plans to “delve deeper into his lifelong passion for exploring small-scale winemakers across the world” and wants to “encourage a conversation around wine.”

As well as operating as a wine bar and pre- and post-restaurant hangout, Emmanuelle will also host specialist tastings, masterclasses, and producer talks throughout the year.

Hashemi said the name of his new venture is rooted in his “beloved ‘Emmanuelle’” chair: a throne-like, rattan feature in The Drunken Butler dining room, known to some after its appearance in the 1970s erotic film of the same name.

A statement from the restaurant team said other vintage and antique finds “will bring a retro feel to the interiors, creating the ‘living room’ to The Drunken Butler’s homely and intimate ‘dining room’ over the road.”

Much like The Drunken Butler, Emmanuelle will offer an extensive list of champagnes, as well as negronis made with a selection of vintage gins, vermouths and Camparis.

Food will include French-style charcuterie snacks and small plates alongside changing Persian dishes such as noon-panir-sabzi (bread, cheese and herbs), and aubergine, cucumber and rose flatbreads.

Emmanuelle will open on Rosebury Avenue, Clerkenwell, in March. Walk-ins only. For more information, visit @emmanuelle_winebar