Six Months of Nectar: Embracing Community and Culinary Connection on Broughton Street

chrisarazim
3 days ago
3 min read

Opening a new restaurant is always a leap of faith. Six months ago, Nectar welcomed its first guests with a simple goal: to create a space where greek food, carefully crafted drinks, and genuine hospitality come together naturally. What followed was an unexpected journey of connection, discovery, and belonging on Broughton Street.

Finding Our Place on Broughton Street

From the start, it was clear that Broughton Street is more than just a location. It is a neighbourhood with a strong character. Independent, curious, and deeply community-driven. This sense of identity shaped how Nectar grew and how we connected with the people around us.

The warm welcome from locals and visitors alike has been humbling. Regulars stop by after work, neighbours bring friends from out of town, and newcomers who had walked past many times finally step inside. Each visit adds to the story of Nectar becoming part of the street’s fabric.

A Kitchen Led by Flavour

At the heart of Nectar is the kitchen, led by Margarita. Her approach focuses on bold Mediterranean flavours and traditional ingredients. The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging guests to slow down and enjoy the moment together.

Dishes range from vibrant small plates to larger centre-of-table options. Each plate balances comfort with excitement, presenting familiar tastes with care and personality. This approach has resonated with guests who often describe the food as both comforting and fresh.

Some of our guest favourites are:

Sea Bass with mashed potatoes and spinach: a very delicate dish, where the fresh fish and creamy mash fit perfectly together
Chicken Skewers with grilled vegetables: a traditional greek dish, modernised by adding grilled veggies
Meat or Veggie Platters: having a taste of all the flavours Nectar has to offer. A dish to be shared or eaten alone if hungry

This focus on flavour and connection creates a dining experience that goes beyond just eating. It invites guests to engage with the food and with each other.

Handcrafted Cocktails Inspired by the Mediterranean

Behind the bar, Panos brings the same philosophy to drinks. Every cocktail is made by hand, focusing on balance and flavour rather than gimmicks or shortcuts. The ingredients reflect the Mediterranean’s sun, herbs, and fruits, creating drinks that pair naturally with the food or stand out on their own.

The bar offers a range of options, from light and refreshing to rich and complex. Whether guests come for a relaxed early evening drink or a lively night with friends, the bar is a place where intention matters.

Some of our favourites are:

Beach Bonfire: using Fig infused Campari, Mezcal and Grapefruit juice to create a spin on a Negroni
Drops of the River: a floral and light cocktail using Mastiha, a traditional greek liqueur made out of tree sap from trees in the island of Chios
The Gangster: infusing Bacardi Spiced with Dates, create a rich and delicate cocktail

Becoming Part of Broughton Street

One of the most rewarding parts of the last six months has been getting to know the people who walk through our doors.

Regulars who stop by after work. Neighbours who bring friends visiting from out of town. First-timers who tell us they “kept walking past and finally came in”, and then return days or weeks later.

That’s how we’ve grown: slowly, organically, and through word of mouth. Being part of Broughton Street means contributing to its rhythm, not trying to overpower it.

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Grow Together

The journey so far has been about more than just food and drinks. It has been about finding a home on Broughton Street and becoming part of a community that values authenticity and connection.

As Nectar moves forward, the focus remains on:

Keeping the menu seasonal and flavour-driven
Maintaining the handcrafted approach to drinks
Deepening ties with neighbours and guests

For anyone curious about Mediterranean flavours or looking for a place to slow down and enjoy good company, Nectar offers a welcoming space to do just that.