12 Must-Visit Wine Bars To Discover In London
With many pubs and bars to choose from in London, we are often spoilt for choice. Whether you’re planning post work drinks or special occasions this December, here is our edit of must-visit wine bars that you’ll want to discover during the festive season.
Relocated from Melbourne to Fitzrovia, Carousel is fronted by a wine bar with an extensive list of characterful, low-intervention wines. Head inside for a residency space where chefs from across the world come and share their latest flavours or try one of their workshops; from wildlife drawing to wine tasting.
After a busy day strolling in central, all you need is a refreshing glass of wine. On the lively Kingly Street, Bar Crispin offers a 150 strong wine list curated by the in-house sommelier, as well as bar snacks and irresistible seasonal plates made from locally sourced ingredients.
Buzzing on an evening after work in the candlelit, subterranean bar; Below Stone Nest is transformed from the chapel known to be a congregation back in the 19C into a social space for late drinks and unmissable gigs. Surrounded by an exposed wall, under a wooden ceiling held aloft by cast iron pillars, it’s a unique spot with a rotating selection of wines and classic cocktails.
Rustic yet charming, Lady Of The Grapes is made up of small tables and chairs scattered in a small space in the back street of Covent Garden. With the aim of supporting female winemakers that are traditionally under-represented in the industry, 70% of wine lists they offer are made from female or couple winemakers from small estates, producing organic wines.
A tiny, quaint space with vinyl records spinning, Duck Soup is an eclectic restaurant with a quality wine list and a weekly changing menu using the best in-season ingredients. This is the place if you’re looking for somewhere more intimate and cosy in the lead up to Christmas.
In the heart of Soho, right off Carnaby Street, Antidote is London’s pioneer of natural wines. Offering an intimate atmosphere with wooden counter tables and a wall full of wine bottles, it’s the perfect spot for evening get-togethers and casual catch-ups with friends.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a chic and sophisticated spot to enjoy a drink, Top Cuvee is the ideal choice. Inspired by Parisian atmospheres with a bright orange wall and simple wooden tables, they offer a boundless list of natural wines with dishes designed to pair perfectly with your chosen drink.
With the signage left from the former tenant, “J Scott & Son,” Hector’s is nestled into the historic neighbourhood of De Beauvoir, serving as a cafe and bottle shop by day and a snug bar at night. With focus on a selection of both traditional and contemporary low-intervention wines, they also collaborate with chefs from local restaurants to serve seasonal food that pairs well with their wine lists.
Planque in other words; ‘hideaway’, describe themselves as a wine lovers’ clubhouse, with a restaurant also located under the railway arch in Haggerston. The vast space is split into small sections; with wine cellars, a member’s only space and dining sections. The minimal Scandinavian furniture creates a homely atmosphere and it’s the perfect place to bring a group of friends to open a bottle (or two…).
A hidden gem located in Islington, Little Georgia offers a selection of authentic and fresh Georgian cuisine with a wide range of wines and cocktails that are made by ancient and traditional methods. The inviting location is completed with antique furniture and decorative posters, making it perfect for any occasion from family gatherings to date nights.
After expanding from the online natural wine merchant ‘Natty Boy Wines’, Dan’s is opening its door in Dalston. This is one of the most unique spaces to visit, with quirky antique furniture, a Persian rug and melted candles, all combined with numbers of unconventional wines from all over the world. All bottles are available to drink in or take away, and glasses of wine start from the accessible price of £7.
Located in Dalston; a competitive area for the upcoming, unique restaurants and bars, A Bar With Shapes For A Name has instantly become a neighbourhood favourite. Carrying the Bauhaus influence from the venue to the menu – furnished in minimal reddish-brown mahogany cupboards and functional high tables, with drinks served with ice holding geometric shapes offered by bartenders in matching pastel jumpsuits.
