Alex Vines grew up in Pontcanna and after 11 years of working in London, in which he developed his attentive yet simple approach to cooking at acclaimed restaurants including 40 Maltby Street, Rochelle Canteen and Sardine, it seems fitting to him to be cooking once more so close to his childhood home.

Most recently, Alex set up his own kitchen at The Lighthaus in Walthamstow (receiving praise from the Observer, Timeout and Eater), where he further developed his vegetable-focused style of cooking with weekly menus driven by the produce available from nearby farms. As a result, his menus naturally looked towards the Mediterranean for influence in the summer months before turning North in the cooler weather for dishes inspired by traditions from Britain and Eastern Europe.

Alex brings his ingredient-led approach to Vines, working directly with local farmers to design frequently changing seasonal menus that celebrate the bounty of our homeland. A short wine list, focused on natural wines, will favour small European winemakers producing wine with skill and care.