Pleasant isn’t a sexy word but that’s exactly what Sol’s is—expertly, brilliantly pleasant. During the day, it’s a stylish white-tiled deli operation where you can live out your countryside farm shop fantasy and pick up vesuvio tomatoes, doorstop sandwiches, and tasteful branded tote bags. But come evening, the Bayswater spot turns into a wine bar where pleasure is poured in the form of chilled Côtes du Rhône and couples who share a NOW TV login touch knees while gazing longingly at the blackboard menu. The modern European food is a bit-of-this, bit-of-that simple, but there’s a hint of show-off—glossy sardines in a tin bath of gloriously spiced juices, and a layer of herbal, smooth olive oil and sea salt crunch on top of rich dark chocolate mousse. It’s walk-in only and there’s plenty of seating around the central table, but if you’re coming for date night, try and secure one of the indoor or outdoor stools by the big bay windows.
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