Tune tartare @ First Aid Box in Herne Hill

After a night of indulgence, many of us try to counteract the toxins by reaching for healthy juices and vitamin supplements. A new addition to the South London bar scene, the aptly-entitled First Aid Box, are offering healthy food and drinks, with a quirky boozy twist. Situated opposite Brockwell Park in Herne Hill is a new venture from the same team behind Brixton hotspot The Shrub & Shutter.

A Brockwell Park Bramble, with gin, vitamin C and a syringe shot of Chambord

Although a cafe by day, a friend and I ventured along to First Aid Box one weekday evening for cocktails and light bites. The intimate venue features a mix of bar stools and table seating, with low lighting, taxidermy and a medical paraphernalia dotted around. On the night in question, the Box featured a mixed clientele, with predominately small groups of friends aged in their 20s and 30s. We were served by a lovely waitress, who encouraged us to try the specials menu.

In keeping with the medical theme, the cocktail menu features unique concoctions with a healthy twist. I opted for a Brockwell Park Bramble – Whitley Neill Gin, Maraschino, Vitamin C, Fructose, Plum Bitters and Chambord Syringe. (£8). I found great enjoyment in sipping a bit before shooting my syringe full of blood-coloured Chambord into my cocktail. A nice touch was our accompanying still water served in vintage brown medicine bottles, which reminded me of the ones owned by the school nurse.

First Aid Box serves a healthy menu, featuring salads and ceviches using locally sourced vegetables, fish and meat. My friend and I weren’t in the mood for big dishes so opted for sharing plates. We opted for a Tuna Tartare, served with crispbread and hazelnuts, which was absolutely delicious. I’m usually not a big fan of salads, but the Artichoke, Potato and Rocket Salad from the specials menu was definitely some greens I could get on board with. The flavours and dressing worked really well together.

Overall First Aid Box offered something different for Herne Hill. Tasty food, great cocktails and a fun, intimate setting. I’m looking forward to returning regularly.

• First Aid Box, 119 Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0NG. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more information, visit the First Aid Box website.

Delicious: Artichoke, Potato and Rocket Salad

For more of Metro Girl’s bar and restaurant review, click here.

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