It’s been some time since I last visited Ply (now Ply²). In fact the last review style visit was before it changed hands. So an invitation to sample their El Bandarra Spritz was more than excuse enough.
Since their change of name/ownership, the site has changed to a more Italian led menu. Pizzas are still a feature, but there are now more pastas, arancini, and platters. Oh and full breakfast/brunch offerings too. I’d point you to a menu for more details (and veggie/vegan/GF offerings), but the one on the website doesn’t seem to work, but their Instagram will give you an idea of what’s on offer.
On the drinks side of things, we were there specifically for the El Bandarra Spritz (though we may have also enjoyed a Paloma or two, a French Martini, and an Aviation). El Bandarra is an aperitif/vermouth brand from Barcelona. The spritz features their Fresco, using Garnacha Rosé wines and natural Mediterranean herbs, spices, botanicals and citrus. The result is light, but bittersweet – the bitterness is refreshing, whilst the sweetness brings out the citrus and herbal notes. Ideal for sipping in the sunshine, or enjoying with food.
It’s also super easy to make at home, and you can grab a bottle of the vermouth itself via their website.
I must admit, as a post gym refresher the spritz works really well, and it’s very moreish – mine disappeared far quicker than I realised!
Alongside this we enjoyed a big bowl of tagliatelle pasta, tossed in pesto, strewn with parmesan and topped with an egg yolk. Stir the latter through and the richness is dialled up a notch, giving the dish a real creaminess – something that the gently bitter notes of the spritz cut through really well.
I can’t help but feel another visit to Ply² is warranted. We only explored the one dish (though we did hit the cocktail menu rather harder – we were having an overdue catch up), and before the pandemic knocked us all out of sync, it was a favourite spot for post work wine and pizza.