Michael Sager to launch another Hackney wine bar

Named in honour of Sager’s father, Bar Bruno will occupy the space that was most recently The Place Next Door. 

“It’s a secret from him for now, so if you’re familiar with him, please keep it under wraps as a surprise,” Sager writes on Instagram.

“Since moving to Victoria Park in 2016, l’ve always dreamt of a cozy place like this in the village,” the post continues. “It’s thrilling to finally have the chance to bring this dream to life and add something unique to the area.”

Bruno will join Sager’s existing duo of Sager + Wild sites and recently launched cocktail bar Equal Parts in East London and Old Street restaurant and wine bar Fare.

Sager is a key figure within London’s wine scene having been an early champion of natural, biodynamic and organic wine.

Sager fell into the wine trade in San Francisco, where he lived for two years, working under top sommelier Raj Parr.

His London career has seen him oversee the likes of Milk and Honey, Quo Vadis and Happiness Forgets. 

Sager also runs wine import business Sager + Wine and mezcal company El Destilado.