Who better to ask where to wine and dine in London than vinous and culinary experts? Decanter's tasting director chats to the Decanter World Wine Award judges and finds out their favourite London wine haunts.
It is a privilege to live in London. We Londoners have so many vinous and gastronomic delights on our doorstep. But when I first moved to London 20 years ago from my native France it was a different story. If you wanted a nice glass of wine with great food, your only option was a formal dining restaurant with starched tablecloths and snooty waiters. Don’t get me wrong, some were great and many continue to set the culinary standard, but these were places to blow your bank balance in a single sitting.
The move towards great wine with a casual dining experience probably started with Les Caves de Pyrene’s opening of Terroirs during the recession of 2008. Xavier Rousset MS followed suit in 2010 with his 28-50 Wine & Kitchen Workshops. Since then there has been a proliferation of similar establishments, with a new place popping up almost every month, if not every fortnight.
With so many good wine bars opening it is hard to keep up. So I asked our Decanter World Wine Awards judges, Master Sommeliers and wine experts in the capital to nominate the bars and restaurants where they like to hang out after work. After all, they are the best people to ask.
Whether you live in London or are just visiting, you can find somewhere wonderful to wine and dine from Brixton and Clapham in the south, to Hackney and Shoreditch in the east, to Wimbledon and Kew in the suburbs – not to mention Central London. There is a little gem to discover near you. Who knows, you may bump into one of our experts!
Sager + Wilde
Sager + Wilde. Credit: sagerandwilde.com
Sager + Wilde is the top wine bar in East London. It has a great selection of wines from all over the world with nibbles to match and lots of bargains to boot. Andrea Briccarello
Longing for a greater selection of wine bars to include an ever changing selection of wines by the glass, Sager + Wilde manage to provide just this. Informative, relaxed staff provide insight to an outstanding wine list showcasing some amazing producers, there is certainly a discovery or two to be made here. As for their food offering, they manage to tick every box. Melanie Brown
I love Michael’s massively engaged enthusiasm at Sager + Wilde, the range is full of wines that I am always interested in drinking, with a common theme of elegance tying them all together. They are so reasonably priced that I always end up spending 3-4 bottles there rather than one, with friends of course. Sager + Wilde brought some much needed fun to wine drinking in London – it reminds me of drinking in great wine bars in Melbourne. It’s almost impossible to go there and not run into someone from the wine trade. Get there early and prepare for a long evening. Justin Knock MW
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Another great place for the wine selection and the low mark up is Sager + Wilde (previously known as Mission) in Bethnal green. It’s often a place I end up with my team. Also, the fact that they’re open on Sundays is a bonus. Laure Patry
This small but stylish East London wine bar has a vaguely louche feel that seems to bring out the hedonistic pleasure in the wines. The list is exceptional and the mark-ups are small. Matt Walls
193 Hackney Road, E2 8JL
+44 (0) 20 8127 7330
sagerandwilde.com
The 10 Cases
The 10 Cases. Credit: 10cases.co.uk
If I fancy a glass of something interesting in a laid back, cosy atmosphere, then The 10 Cases in Covent Garden is perfect. The wine list always has plenty to tempt me and the food is delicious but unfussy. Mark Andrew
The 10 Cases must be one of my most regular haunts. Ideally located near Covent Garden, it has an ever-changing wine list (they only ever buy ten cases of each wine), a choice of tapas-style food as well as main dishes, plus a bottle shop next door with informal dining and a handy function room in the basement. Richard Hemming MW
The 10 cases has a great selection of wines. It’s a very honest place run by passionate people – we need more of this format in London. Xavier Rousset MS
16 Endell Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9BD
+44 (0) 20 7836 6801
10cases.co.uk
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The Winemakers Club
The Winemakers Club. Credit: thewinemakersclub.co.uk
Walking under the arches in The Winemakers Club is like stepping back in time. It has the feel of a private club but without the stuffiness and membership fees. John, the brains behind the concept, has listed some gems from unusual parts of the world – think Hungary, Slovenia, even Poland – but you’ll also find classic Claret at bargain prices. Christelle Guibert
The Winemakers Club is a wineshop cum wine bar. A great place to hang out after work with a plate of cheese and charcuterie. Boasting a wonderfully eclectic selection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines. Isabelle Legeron MW
The Winemakers Club a self-proclaimed ‘wine pub’, this authentically dank cellar in a railway arch near the City is home to a wine importer with a taste for unusual organic and biodynamic wines. Plenty to explore by the taste, glass or bottle. Matt Walls
41a Farringdon Street, EC4A 4AN
+44 (0) 20 7236 2936
thewinemakersclub.co.uk
Noble Rot
Noble Rot. Credit: noblerot.co.uk/wine-bar
Noble Rot have built a well-deserved reputation for serving great wines at low mark-ups, and their new wine bar is a superb showcase for their easy going, informal attitude. Richard Hemming MW
Noble Rot is a London-based wine and lifestyle magazine that has recently hatched a wine bar and restaurant. It has rapidly become a honeypot for wine lovers: not just a great wine list, but skilfully-prepared British food and knowledgeable staff. Matt Walls
51 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB
+44 (0) 20 7242 8963
noblerot.co.uk/wine-bar
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street. Credit: 10greekstreet.com
10 Greek St does really good food and the wine list is very well priced. Luke Wilson, the owner, keeps a little black book of the good stuff, with very encouraging cash margins! Gearoid Devaney MS
10 Greek street has a small but well-designed and perfectly executed menu, along with well-chosen wines at great prices. Xavier Rousset MS
10 Greek Street, W1D 4DH
+44 (0) 20 7734 4677
10greekstreet.com
Companie des Vins Surnaturels
Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. Credit: Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
I love Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels for casual, chic drinking in Neal’s Yard. Julia is a really smart sommelier and she always chooses something for me blind which is handy because the wine selection is so well thought out that I never know what to order. I like her mystery wine by the glass; it is a fun, entertaining feature. Claire Thevenot MS
I love the ambiance at the Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels This is a great place to enjoy some very good wines. There is a thoughtful selection by the glass as well as a comprehensive list which has something for every palate. The service is friendly, but expect some strong French accents! For my money the best Cassoulet in town. Nicolas Clerc MS
8-10 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP
+44 (0) 20 7734 7737
cvssevendials.com
The Remedy
The Remedy gets just about everything perfect: loads of interesting wines by the glass (especially old Madeira), delicious sharing plates and a relaxed, low-key atmosphere. Richard Hemming MW
Small, relaxed, informal and convivial, The Remedy is a great little wine bar a short walk from Oxford Street. They have a superlative collection of mostly European wines, many with a nod towards the natural. They’ll happily pour you half a bottle of any of their top-end wines for half the price. Matt Walls
124 Cleveland Street, W1T 6PG
+44 (0) 20 3489 3800
theremedylondon.com
67 Pall Mall
67 Pall Mall. Credit: 67pallmall.co.uk
For a guilty pleasure, the range of wines by the glass at 67 Pall Mall with Coravin is hard to resist with some iconic wines from older vintages available… need I say more? Gearoid Devaney MS
67 Pall Mall is the ultimate wine lover’s destination, with an extraordinary array of choice served by Coravin and a fixed corkage charge of £20. The food isn’t cheap but it is classic and expertly prepared. The only disadvantage is you need to be a member! Richard Hemming MW
67 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5ES
+44 (0) 20 3000 6767
67pallmall.co.uk
Terroirs
Terroirs. Credit: terroirswinebar.com
For casual dining, my first choice would have to be Terroirs for the simplicity of the food (think cheese, charcuterie and classic French bistro food) but mostly for the wine. I also like the easy-going atmosphere. It’s definitely good value with many small growers and older vintages availed at affordable prices. Laure Patry
5 William IV Street, WC2N 4DW
+44 (0) 20 7036 0660
terroirswinebar.com
The Quality Chop House
The Quality Chop House. Credit: thequalitychophouse.com
When I’m feeling carnivorous, The Quality Chop House in Farringdon is a must visit. The building oozes character and the food just gets better and better – it is genuinely one of London’s most consistent restaurants. Mark Andrew
88-94 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3EA
+44 (0)20 7278 1452
thequalitychophouse.com/
Social Wine & Tapas
Social Wine & Tapas. Credit: Facebook Social Wine & Tapas
I love going to Social Wine & Tapas for the veal burgers and the great wine recommendations from Laure Patry and her team. Geroid Devaney MS
39 James Street, W1U 1DL
+44 (0) 20 7993 3257
socialwineandtapas.com
Donostia
Donostia. Credit: donostia.co.uk
Donostia in Seymour St is becoming our convenient lunchtime meeting restaurant of choice in Marylebone. It was here that I first had the aged Galician beef that Donostia and sister restaurant Lurra are now championing to great effect. The wine list is neat and tidy with both classic names and delicious value wines out of Catalonia and Basque country too. Justin Knock MW
10 Seymour Place, W1H 7ND
+44 (0) 20 3620 1845
donostia.co.uk
40 Maltby Street
40 Maltby Street has a great natural wine list that is well priced and served with beautiful seasonal food. Buzzing atmosphere and wonderfully casual. Isabelle Legeron MW
40 Maltby Street, SE1 3PA
+44 (0) 20 7237 9247
40maltbystreet.com
José
Jose, Bermondsey Street. Credit: Instagram @jose_bermondsey
José on Bermondsey St – it’s busy, crowded but it all happens super-fast in José. Even when they’re flat out, it’s often possible to walk in, squeeze in on a counter and grab a chilled half bottle of fresh Manzanilla while you wait for the wonderful tapas. They do the basics so well – Tortilla, Jamon Iberico and Croquetas are amongst the best in London. It’s the ideal place for a 30 minute refuelling stop. Justin Knock MW
104 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UB
josepizarro.com/jose-tapas-bar/info/
Top London Sherry & tapas bars
Medlar
Medlar. Credit: medlarrestaurant.co.uk
Medlar has quickly become an institution among wine merchants. The classical, stylish and wine-friendly food is fantastic and the wine service, overseen by MS Christophe Delalonde is as slick and attentive as the glassware is perfect. It’s almost embarrassing how often we’re there! Greg Sherwood MW
438 Kings Road, SW10 0LJ
+44 (0) 20 7349 1900
medlarrestaurant.co.uk
Blanchette
Blanchette. Credit: blanchettesoho.co.uk
Blanchette in Soho is where I go for the ambiance and to relax. One of the owners is a DJ so the music is really good. They do French food well and you can’t beat their frogs legs with a crisp Alsace Pinot Blanc. The wine list is small but well choosen by Max and Yannis. Claire Thevenot MS
9 D’Arblay Street, W1F 8DR
+44 (0)207 439 8100
blanchettesoho.co.uk
Elliot’s Café
Elliot’s Cafe. Credit: Facebook Elliot’s Cafe
One of my old favourites is Elliot’s Café in Borough market. It’s a short stroll from Decanter HQ and offers fantastic tapas. The wine list has been put together by Isabelle Legeron MW, the queen of natural wine, so expect some quirky but exciting wines. The atmosphere is laid back and just what you want after a long day at the office. Christelle Guibert
12 Stoney St, Borough Market, SE1 9AD
+44 (0) 20 7403 7436
elliotscafe.com
The Modern Pantry
The Modern Pantry. Credit: themodernpantry.co.uk
At The Modern Pantry in Finsbury Square, Anna Hansen’s ability to produce the tasty small fusion snacks matched with a concise and intuitive wine list ensures I am never disappointed when visiting here. Melanie Brown
14 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1AH
+44 (0) 20 3696 6565
themodernpantry.co.uk
Otto’s
The eccentric but utterly charming Otto’s on Grays Inn Road does classic, old school French cooking as well as anywhere in London, with a superb and well-priced wine list to boot. Mark Andrew
182 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8EW
020 7713 0107
ottos-restaurant.com
The Clove Club
The Clove Club. Credit: Twitter @thecloveclub
The Clove Club is my fine dining choice: top cooking and a great atmosphere. I really like the overall approach to food and wine. Xavier Rousset MS
Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT
+44 (0) 20 7729 6496
thecloveclub.com
Taberna do Mercado
Taberna do Mercado. Credit: Instagram @tabernamercado
Taberna do Mercado, Nuno Mendes’ small Portuguese restaurant in Old Spitalfields Market, is a busy place, particularly at weekends. The food is simple but brilliantly executed with plenty of local and hearty dishes to share. The pão de ló dessert is a must, worth a daily visit in itself! The wine list is well selected and precise, covering all styles from Portugal, matchs the food selection well and is fairly priced. Nicolas Clerc MS
Old Spitalfields Market, 107b Commercial Street, E1 6BG
+44 (0) 20 7375 0649
tabernamercado.co.uk/
Chez Bruce
Chez Bruce. Credit: Decanter
Few restaurants come close to offering the consistent quality of Chez Bruce. An institution among the locals, it is certainly worth the journey to Wandsworth Common. Once again the wine service is impeccable and the glassware excellent. It’s probably the most consistently enjoyable wining and dining experience in London at the price – even we poor wine merchants can afford it! Greg Sherwood MW
2 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EG
+44 (0)20 8672 0114
chezbruce.co.uk
Primeur
Primeur is a new discovery for me. It’s off the beaten track being a 15-minute walk from the nearest station, but it is worth the detour. The tapas-style food is France meets Italy meets Great Britain and there’s a large selection of wines by the glass. They are all from artisan producers with a minimal-intervention mentality, but fear not, the staff will happily give you a taste before you commit. Christelle Guibert
Barnes Motors, 116 Petherton Road London, N5 2RT
+44 (0) 20 7226 5271
primeurn5.co.uk/
Andrew Edmunds
Andrew Edmunds. Credit: andrewedmunds.com
In my opinion Andrew Edmunds is London’s best kept secret: rustic food accompanied by top wines from Burgundy as well as new World wines, sold with very little mark up. There are often real gems to be found. Andrea Briccarello
46 Lexington Street, W1F 0LP
+44 (0) 20 7437 5708
andrewedmunds.com
The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon
The Crooked Billet. Credit: thecrookedbilletwimbledon.com
The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon is a charming pub on the edge of Wimbledon village. The shabby-chic décor and enormous fireplace will put you at ease straight away. The food is simple but well executed and despite the busy nature of the place, the service is efficient and friendly. The wine list is mainstream but pleasant and the mark-up is reasonable considering the area. It’s a real urban village gem and, for you canine lovers, it’s a hot spot for speed dating, doggy-style! David Vareille
14-15 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon, SW19 4RQ
+44 (0) 20 8946 4942
thecrookedbilletwimbledon.com
Casa Malevo
Casa Malevo. Credit: casamalevo.com
Casa Malevo at 23 Connaught Street is the best Argentinian restaurant in London. It’s a small and charming place with very friendly service and fantastic food. On the minus side, you might bump into Tony Blair. Igor Sotric
23 Connaught Street, W2 2AY
+44 (0) 20 7402 1988
casamalevo.com
Corner Kitchen
Corner Kitchen. Credit: Facebook Corner Kitchen E7
Corner Kitchen is a newly-opened, delicious pizzeria in my neck of the woods in Forest Gate. Friendly, low-key and focused on great ingredients, with a small, interesting, organic and biodynamic wine list. Isabelle Legeron MW
58 Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, E7 0QH
020 8555 8068
cornerkitchen.london
The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse. Credit: glasshouserestaurant.co.uk
The Glasshouse in Kew is a fantastic West London restaurant that thrills locals and travelling gourmands alike. There is a well-selected list or, for a modest corkage charge you can BYO by prior arrangement. The Michelin-starred food is pure and unfussy but of Mayfair quality and the service is second to none. It’s one of my preferred spots for lingering wine trade lunches. Greg Sherwood MW
14 Station Parade, Kew, TW9 3PZ
+44 (0) 20 8940 6777
glasshouserestaurant.co.uk
Fera at Claridge’s
Fera at Claridge’s. Credit: feraatclaridges.co.uk
Fera at Claridge’s is my top dining destination of 2015. The service is exemplary and genuine and the team is really enthusiastic about what they do. As with many restaurants in London, the lunch menu is a steal. They are championing artisan wines which mean that I always discover something new with Raphael and his passionate team of sommeliers. Claire Thevenot MS
Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
+44 (0) 20 7107 8888
feraatclaridges.co.uk
Naughty Piglets
Effortlessly managing to combine innovative food, exceptional ingredients and an extensive natural wine selection, this hidden secret, Naughty Piglets in Brixton Water is perfect any night of the week. Melanie Brown
28 Brixton Water Lane, SW2 1PE
+44 (0) 20 7274 7796
naughtypiglets.co.uk
The Typing Room
The Typing Room. Credit: typingroom.com
The Typing Room is my guilty pleasure. Open your mind and go and experience one of the most talented young chefs I have ever met. You’ll find it’s like going to one of the best-rated restaurants but without the premium. The food is exciting, intelligent, ethical and exquisite and the wine list follows the nature of the restaurant – not everyone’s cup of tea but plenty of exciting discoveries. David Vareille
Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square, E2 9NF
+44 (0)20 7871 0461
typingroom.com
Ninth
Ninth. Credit: theninthlondon.com
Ninth offers very good value for Central London. I love Jun Tanaka’s food; the service is great and the wines are well looked after by Cyril Baligand. Geroid Devaney
22 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NB
+44 (0) 20 3019 0880
theninthlondon.com
The Dairy
The Dairy. Credit: Facebook The Dairy
The Dairy in Clapham is, for me, the best choice when it comes to food: amazing flavours and textures combine with intensity. There’s an ever-exciting tasting menu with plenty of dishes to please all palates. The wine list is compact but offers variety. Andrea Briccarello
15 The Pavement, Clapham Old Town, SW4 0HY
+44 (0) 20 7622 4165
the-dairy.co.uk
brilliant corners
brilliant corners. Credit: Facebook brilliant corners
brilliant corners is one of my favourites spots in London! Simple, affordable Japanese-inspired menu with great sushi. They do low-margins on a well-curated, natural wine list. Isabelle Legeron MW
470 Kingsland Road, E8 4AE
+44 (0) 20 7812 9511
brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk
The Ledbury and River Café
The Ledbury. Credit: theledbury.com
The Ledbury and River Café are the best restaurants in London! I love them both because, apart from great food and service, they really pay attention to their wines and also let you bring your own. I’ve been on a few legendary wine lunches at both places. Last time I went to River Café, I had a gnocchi dish that was so delicious I nearly cried. It looked so simple; I thought I could make it at home. Hmm. Igor Sotric
The Ledbury
127 Ledbury Road, Nottinghill, W11 2AQ
+44 (0) 20 7792 9090
theledbury.com
River Café
Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, W6 9HA
+44 (0)20 7386 4200
rivercafe.co.uk
The Rose Public House
The Rose Public House. Credit: therosepublichouse.co.uk
The Rose Public House is a little bit of France in the shadows of the Shard. Classic, simple, delicious food – probably one of the best value for money places in London. Its craft beer selection is extensive and wine lovers will appreciate the small but bang-on wine list. Importantly, you can BYO – dog, that is. David Vareille
123 Snowfields, SE1 3ST
+44 (0) 20 7403 0168
therosepublichouse.co.uk
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