British News

Dallas' top Brits join forces to open smashing holiday foodie shop

There'll be biscuits and shortbreads and tea, oh my.

The British Emporium

UPDATE 1-7-2021: Due to its popularity, the pop-up shop inside Fish & Fizz is "here to stay," British Emporium said in a January 7 Facebook post. The Richardson location, 400 N. Coit Rd., remains open 12-8 pm Thursday-Sunday.

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Two authentic British businesses in Dallas-Fort Worth are joining forces to bring us all more British holiday treats.

The British Emporium, the popular shop in Grapevine which sells all things British, will open a pop-up shop inside Fish & Fizz, the upscale fish & chips restaurant in Richardson owned by Nick & Kelli Barclay, who are genuine bona-fide British natives.

Located at 400 N. Coit Rd., #1908, the pop-up will open on Thursday, October 1 and will be open through the holiday season, providing customers with a more convenient way to stock up on traditional British classics including Christmas puddings, Brandy butter, mince pies, crackers, and more.

British Emporium owner Sheela K. Bailey says in a statement that she's excited for the opportunity to better serve the British community in North Texas, especially since international travel is limited these days.

"Nick and Kelli have been supporters of our store for many years," Bailey says. "And they serve the best fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. During these challenging times when homesick Brits can't travel, comfort food is the order of the day. They can stock up on essential British groceries and pick up a classic meal to take home for the family. No passport required."

The British Emporium opened in Historic Downtown Grapevine in 1992 and is a must-visit for expat Brits, royalty watchers, and Anglophiles. Many longtime customers are from the North Dallas/Richardson/Collin County area.

Nick & Kelli Barclay opened Fish & Fizz in 2018 to spotlight their iconic fish & chips. The restaurant was nominated in 2019 for a prestigious Tastemaker Award for best new restaurant, and Barclay was nominated the same year for best chef.

Due to COVID-19, they're currently open for takeout only. Barclay says in a statement that he wanted to make creative use of his empty dining room.

"Being in the middle of a pandemic has forced us, like millions of others, to look at our business model and figure out a way to survive," Barclay says. "With Takeout Only being our preferred business model until things settle down, we've been looking at an empty dining room. So, I approached Sheela to see if she would like to open a Pop-Up British Emporium in our dining room."

A spokesperson says that the pop-up shop will be a slightly smaller version of the Grapevine store, like a mini store, but with many of the same goods to include not only holiday items but also grocery staples, British teas, biscuits, and shortbreads. It'll be open Thursday-Sunday, 12-8 pm.

openings

Wine News

New Vinifera Wine Lounge and Bistro debuts on Flower Mound’s Riverwalk

Vinifera

Vinifera Wine Lounge & Bistro

A new wine bar and bistro has opened in Flower Mound. Called Vinifera Wine Lounge & Bistro, it's at 4120 River Walk Dr., in a space formerly occupied by a short-lived pizzeria, joining a string of bars overlooking the Riverwalk.

Vinifera is from Jamie Creevy, a British native who moved to Dallas in 2007, and who has worked at concepts such as Henderson Tap House and Peppersmash Concepts. At Vinifera, he's partnered with Chris Kummer, a former US Marine with experience in nightclubs and restaurants, including Chill in Grapevine.

Running the kitchen is executive chef Justin Samsill, who has worked at a wide range of high-end places including Knife, Town Hearth, The Mitchell, Smoke, and Hide. The menu has a big selection of seafood such as mussels, shrimp cocktail, squid pasta, and scallops, as well as steak au poivre, pasta bolognese, and trendy items such as steak frites and a smash burger, with entrees ranging from $19 to $35.

Vegetarian options include an unusual rendition of ratatouille, in which vegetables such as eggplant and tomato are cut into slices and arranged like a pinwheel. There are also salads and harissa carrots with Greek yogurt.

They describe the wine list as being "from all over the world", with 38 offerings by the glass. There are also cocktails.

Between the indoor dining room and outdoor space, the restaurant seats about 130 people. It shares a private event room with next door neighbor Whiskey & Smoke.

Riverwalk is the 158-acre mixed used development developed in 2017 and designed as a destination resembling the Riverwalk in San Antonio, with live music, events, and a range of eatery options including Whiskey & Smoke, Pennywise Pub, and Underdogs Burgers & Brews.

“We are looking to be creative and pivot to keep the area fresh," Creevy says. “People are looking for live music, value, free events, we want to entertain the residents and the community at an inexpensive rate."

wine openings