10 Greek Street
The restaurant describes itself as a bustling neighbourhood business with an evolving, exciting list of reasonably priced wines. They say to ask for the mysterious “little black book”, a handwritten list of the rarer wines. If you like a little mystery in your life and a little theatre, I recommend checking this out on this juicy anecdote alone.
10 Cases
Describing themselves as a “buzzing and unpretentious” establishment they may be a breath of fresh air for those looking for a wine bar without the cliche. Started by some friends in 2011 and with a shortlist of ten of each of the major types of wine this is an easygoing friendly place worth the visit. At the Cave a Vin they’ve expanded into they offer the same food menu on a walk in basis with more than 16 additional wines which are changed to keep things fresh.
Greys and Feather
Their philosophy is written on their menu “A bottle of wine is like a painting – the more you know about it, the more you see” and in accordance with this philosophy they offer poetic descriptions of the wines they offer on the menu with sumptuous descriptions sure to fire up your imagination and draw you in. Your palette for their wines thus expanded you will be able to note all of the many aspects of the incredible wines on offer at this establishment. The menu also has fascinating maps charting the origins of the wines on offer. Simple and classic in style with white washed walls and green velvet seating, it’s an ideal environment to spend some time in. With 8 pages worth of wines to choose from they spoil the customers and are always looking for new additions. Go in for a drink, leave with a PhD in fine wines. There is nothing quite like an educated palette.
Bottles Wine Bar
An Italian-owned wine bar with a laid back feel, this wine bar has a vast menu with up to 180 wines and while this can seem daunting the staff are always willing to shed a little light by recommending a wine. Many wine bars suggest the best wines to pair with your meal, but Bottles turns that around by having the best meals to pair with your wines, throwing the spotlight on the real star of the show, their wines. Many of their wines are from small and obscure farms and producers. If you want to try something you haven’t experienced before, Bottles are a must.
The Drop
An exciting wine bar with a selection curated by Aimee Hartley, a journalist turned wine expert who wants to bring wine to the masses by making it an accessible thing. With an R&B night, a menu both unpretentious and reasonably priced and young attentive staff this might be the place for people tired of the white-gloved sommeliers and never-ending menus with 20 reds and 20 whites plus additional rose, orange and fortified wines. Many of the wines will be new to customers as the owners focus on wines from young and independent producers many of whom they have personal relationships with. A refreshing approach to wine, make sure to ask for the house Albariño and as many wines are sold by the glass you have plenty of room to be adventurous.
Gordon’s Wine Bar
No list would be really complete without the oldest wine bar in London. Opened in 1890 this establishment has aged like a fine wine. Rudyard Kipling once made his home there and you might find yourself lost in the rich history of it all, fortunately the wine will bring us back to the here and now. A vast drinks menu and fortunately for newcomers staff who know it back to front, you might find yourself being impressed with all they know. Try some of their drinks or be once again impressed by their reasonable prices with the bar’s own label house white being only £5.50. A well-aged bar for experienced connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Andrew Edmunds
Arguably one of the best kept secrets in London as far as wine bars go, bargain prices on quality wines make this small and unpretentious establishment another highlight for connoisseurs and discerning customers. If you want to enjoy your Dujac or Weinbach alongside a plump pigeon breast or a pot-roasted rabbit this is the kind of place for you.
68 and Boston
An impressive 20 wines from just £20 and some excellent wines over £30 would already make this a worthy addition to your list of unmissable wine bars but they also boast an impressive 45 wines ordered by the glass. If you already feel spoiled for choice then 68 spoils you rotten by having one of the most well-known cocktail bars in London just upstairs. Whether you pop up for a Martini or enjoy a glass of your favourite red it’s virtually impossible to have a disappointing evening.
Antidote
With a strong French emphasis their menu entirely consists of organic and biodynamic wines. Biodynamic wines are wines grown organically to Rudolf Steiner’s specifications, by treating the Earth as a living and receptive organism and utilising a planting calendar they hope to produce ever more delicious and interesting flavours..
The Black Book
A new kid on the block with tasting every Saturday afternoon and a large by-the-glass menu. Well worth your time and your attention.