The capital has no shortage of drinking establishments, we can assure you of that.
It has some of the best clubs, cocktail bars and pubs in the nation. However, there’s nothing like that feeling of style and sophistication you get from knocking back a few glasses of claret in a warmly lit West End wine bar. The elegant decor, floral aromas, and smooth chromium furnishings combine for an experience that is at once classy and relaxing.
If you’re looking for a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring, or simply want to find a nice spot to soak up the culture, our list of the best wine bars in London will point you in the right direction.
Take your time perusing the menu and pick out something with flavour, subtlety and a cosy finish. You deserve it!
Gordon’s Wine Bar
Gordon’s is the go-to wine bar for city workers’ Friday night drinks. It’s also one of the oldest and best in the city, renowned for its unique location and fantastic wine list. Established in 1860, this underground gem is a London icon; stepping in through the door is really like going back in time. You’ll see candlelit tables, real wine barrels and framed artwork dating back hundreds of years. If you prefer the fresh air, though, step outside to enjoy your wine right next to Embankment park.
Sager + Wilde
Moving from central London to East London’s top-rated establishments, Sager + Wilde is a venue for serious wine drinkers and enthusiasts. The bar staff are famous for their knowledge of, and excitement for, wine, so its a great pick if you have a more discerning palette. They’re an extremely successful business with multiple locations, so make sure you head to the Hackney Road venue for their best wine drinking experience. We also recommend you check out their three cheese and chutney toastie. Mouthwatering.
WC
This is definitely the spot for those looking for a unique experience. WC is so named after its building’s previous occupation as a public toilet. Don’t let the name fool you, however. It’s one of the classiest bars on our list, with beautiful rustic decor and a tonne of unique features, such as curtained booths and live music. The wine list is fairly conservative so it won’t intimidate the casual taster.
The Winemaker’s Club
Centrally located and close to the city, the Winemaker’s Club is a go-to for connoisseurs and oenological explorers (that’s greek for people who study wine!). They import a huge variety of interesting bottles from all over the world, including unusual locations such as Hungary and Spain. The staff here love to use words like ‘biodynamics’ and ‘cosmoculture’ – if you know what they’re talking about, this is probably the place for you.
Bottles
This straight-up, no-nonsense establishment has a reputation for their taste in Italian reds. The staff here specialise in sustainably farmed, organic produce that beautifully captures the flavours of its home region. The food at Bottles is not to be scoffed at either, with superbly presented, Italian-themed dishes at a reasonable price. Everything is cooked fresh on the day with a zero waste policy, so its the place to go for the environmentally conscious amongst you.
If you’ve been through our list of venues and decide you’d prefer a beer, after all, check out our Historic Pubs walking tour. You’ll get to taste some of the best beverages in the country and see the capital whilst you’re at it.
