Wine Bars: London’s Top 10
The words 'wine bar' can conjure images as gruesomely diverse as pin-striped yuppies toppling off bar stools after blowing their bonuses, and sticky-floored chain bars where teenagers hold back each others hair outside. To assuage this dubious reputation, Fluid has put together a list of the best wine bars that London has to offer. And no, Yates's Wine Lodge didn't make the cut...
1
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Heeltap
(Bar / Restaurant)
Chaucer House, White Hart Yard, Borough High Street, Newington, London, SE1 1NX
Cuisine: Modern Eclectic
London Bridge: Situated opposite the always charming and bustling The George Inn off Borough High Street, it's easy for the more sedate, demure Heeltap to come off like a poor relative. Not so. Part of the Davy's chain, their thoughtful wine list isn't the only draw. The courtyard it shares with its neighbour is a chilled summer drinking spot.
2
Vinoteca
(Bar / Restaurant)
7 St John Street, Smithfeld, City of London, London, EC1M 4AA
Cuisine: European
City of London: Vinoteca has won an handful of awards for its simple yet delectable menu as well as their wine list, which is one of the most comprehensive and interesting in London. But if you don't go in for all that grape variety and vintage guff, Vinoteca remains a lively and surprisingly inexpensive place for a post-work drink.
3
Viva Verdi
(Bar / Restaurant)
6 Canvey Street, Southwark, London, SE1 9AD
Cuisine: Italian
Bankside: Viva Verdi is popular with the business crowd, but it's anything but stuffy. The staff at this Italian wine bar are welcoming and passionate about their wine list and menu of traditional cured meats and cheeses. Top tip is to turn up between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on a weekday when you can sample some of these delicious nibbles for free with your drink order.
4
Vivat Bacchus Restaurant & Wine Cellar
(Restaurant)
47 Farringdon Street, Holborn, London, EC4A 4LL
Cuisine: Eclectic
Holborn: Boasting 18,000 bottles in their five cellars, Vivat Bacchus specialises in South African wines but also offers bottles from France, Spain and the New World. Their regular Monday night Wine Club is perfect for those looking to learn more on the subject (or indeed those looking for an excuse to drink early in the week), though booking in advance is necessary.
5
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Wine Wharf
(Bar / Restaurant)
Stoney Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 9DA
Cuisine: International
Southbank: A part of the Vinopolis complex, there are no prizes for guessing what the Wine Wharf does best. Exposed brick work and slouchy sofas make for a relaxed and comfortable place to glug your way through more varieties of wine than you knew existed. Tasty bar snacks will help line your stomach before it's time to negotiate the aptly named Stoney Street's cobbles.
6
artisan & vine
(Bar / Restaurant)
126 St Johns Hill, Clapham, London, SW11 1SL
Cuisine: Eclectic
Battersea: Artisan and Vine's gimmick is that all of their 100 plus wines are either organic or grown and bottled within a two hour drive of Battersea. Good news for those who either care, or pretend to care about such things. As you'd imagine, it's grown up and wholesome rather than raucous but that's no bad thing. Wicker chairs and twinkling lights coupled with the wine and rustic menu make for a magical, romantic evening.
7
Gordon's Wine Bar
(Bar)
47 Villiers street, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 6NE
Embankment: Established in 1890, Gordon's is a bar with staying power, and judging by how busy it gets, even early on in the week, it's not going anywhere just yet. Largely underground, London's oldest wine bar is cavernous and candlelit with an unrivalled selection of wines. Spooky and atmospheric it's packed with character as well as customers.
8
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Smithy's
(Bar / Restaurant)
15-17 Leeke Street, Kings Cross, London, WC1X 9HY
Cuisine: Modern European
Kings Cross: People seen walking furtively in the streets behind Kings Cross station are looking for one thing, and one thing only: Smithy's Wine Bar. Follow the winding streets inside where a selection of wines from around the world awaits. Bring friends safe in the knowledge that they'll be impressed that you've discovered such a gem. Better start practicing your smug face.
9
Le Beaujolais
(Bar / Restaurant)
25 Litchfield Street, Leicester Square, London, WC2H 9NJ
Cuisine: French
Covent Garden: Some say cosy, others say cramped. Either way there's no denying Le Beaujolais is very small and very French. Elegant, intimate and understated it's the polar opposite of the soulless tourist-land it inhabits. Covent Garden's most guarded secret, regulars won't welcome Fluid telling you to rush there, rapidement!
10
Cork & Bottle Wine Bar
(Bar / Restaurant)
44-46 Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7AN
Cuisine: Eclectic
Leicester Square: When we say the Cork and Bottle is not trendy, it's meant as a sincere compliment. Clearly the cherished baby of owner Don Hewitson, even newcomers to wine appreciation can't help but share his passion when confronted by the doorstop sized wine list. A laid back bar that takes it's wine very seriously and people seem to rave about their raised ham and cheese pie.
Honourable mentions
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1707 Wine Bar
(Bar / Restaurant)
Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St James's, Mayfair, London, W1J 9LE |
Cuisine: British