While the United Kingdom is mostly known as a beer country, there is a sizeable population that also enjoys a glass of vino. In a metropolitan city such as London, it’s not uncommon to find any number of great places where even the most discerning sommelier will find a glass of white or red that they can enjoy. From the most upscale to the low-key, there is a wine bar for everyone, even those who don’t consider themselves to be fans of the grape. We’ve identified five wine bars worth trying in London below, and you can let us know some of your own favorite spots in the comments.
Sager & Wilde, Hackney
Sager & Wilde has a restaurant on Paradise Row, but it’s the wine bar on Hackney Road that you’ll want to hit for a good glass or bottle. The Hackney Road location is an intimate wine bar with a good list of wines by the glass and an even more extensive list by the bottle as well as a selection of cocktails. The food menu is a little on the sparse side compared to the restaurant but features a number of snacks, charcuterie, and grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s definitely one of the best casual wine bars in East London and worth your time if you’re in Hackney.
Diogenes the Dog, Elephant & Castle
Diogenes the Dog in Elephant & Castle is the type of place that has a little for everyone. Named after the cynical philosopher, Diogenes aims to give its customers the information they need to make an informed choice about wine and remove some of the mystique and stuffiness associated with wine culture. The wine bar also has a café and limited grocery, so you can stop in for coffee in the morning, wine in the afternoon, and take something home to fix for dinner. Appropriately with its name, Diogenes the Dog is also a dog-friendly establishment, meaning you don’t have to leave your pet at home while you go out to unwind.
67 Pall Mall, St. James’s
67 Pall Mall is a wine bar that is certainly in the crème-de-la-crème of highfalutin fancy wine bars. It’s definitely a place to go to if you want to feel important or for special occasions such as a birthday or anniversary. However, it should be noted that to get into this wine bar, you’ll need to join the club and pay an annual membership fee of roughly £2,000. Once you’re in the door, you can peruse their wine menu on the bar’s iPads, a menu that includes 4,000 bottles from 42 countries with at least 800 available for purchase by the glass.
Noble Rot, Bloomsbury and Soho
For a slightly less exclusive but no less valuable wine experience in London, Noble Rot’s locations in Bloomsbury and Soho should be at the top of your list. Both locations are cozy and intimate, though the Bloomsbury wine bar has a more romantic feeling, while Soho might be the better choice for a first date or getting together with friends. At either location, you can find a long list of wines available by taster, glass, and bottle, as well as small plates and desserts crafted by Michelin chefs to round out your experience.
Gordon’s Wine Bar
Gordon’s Wine Bar is a historic wine bar located in the heart of London. Established in 1890, it is one of the oldest wine bars in the city and has maintained its traditional charm and character over the years. The bar has an extensive wine list and also offers a variety of cheese and charcuterie plates. The cellar of the bar is particularly noteworthy, as it is situated beneath the street level and has an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Gordon’s Wine Bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique wine experience in London. Arrive early, as it can be hard to get a table once they’re busy.
Author: John Rabon
John is a regular writer for Anglotopia and its sister websites. He is currently engaged in finding a way to move books slightly to the left without the embarrassment of being walked in on by Eddie Izzard. For any comments, questions, or complaints, please contact the Lord Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's haircut.