Best Wine Bars In London

In Elephant & Castle, Diogenes the Dog takes a modern approach to wine. This quirky neighbourhood bar and bottle shop is found just shy of Elephant and Castle, championing small-scale producers and lesser-known regions, offering an exciting alternative to mainstream choices.

The venue's emphasis on up-and-coming wine regions and unusual winemaking techniques is reflected in a wine list imported directly from far afield areas of the globe. Grab a seat in their cosy, plant-filled space and let the staff guide you through their standout selection - paired expertly with cheese plates, cured meats and more.

What DesignMyNight user Saira says about Diogenes The Dog: "A wonderful spot with great staff who really know their stuff. Incredible wine list that makes you want to keep trying and delicious snacks on the side. I loved it!"

A cosy wine bar located beneath the arches of Charing Cross, Champagne Charlies specialises in all things British bites and crisp glasses of wine from Davy's Wine Merchants. It's a shoo-in for after work drinks and private events, with a range of dining rooms available for hire and seasonal cuisine in a cool, historic basement setting.

With more than 175 years in the hospitality industry, starting off as award-winning caterers, Searcys are a renowned brand for bringing the very best wine and British food to London. Their Champagne bar at Battersea Power Station sits on the first floor of Turbine Hall A inside the famous, Grade-listed landmark, featuring brass, marble, plush seating, a whole tree and more for decor.

On the menu? Vintage Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé, Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial, Champagne made using only Chardonnay grapes and a range of other drinks besides, from English sparkling wine to Puglian reds and Champagne-led cocktails. Don't forget to accompany your tipples with the finest British caviar, charcuterie and cheeses too.

Over in East London, Sager + Wilde is a go-to for trendy wine lovers. Their industrial-chic space on Hackney Road boasts an ever-changing menu of curated bottles from independent producers. The relaxed yet stylish vibe makes it an ideal spot for date nights or catching up with friends.

The Hackney Road venue that made itself a permanent fixture after a successful pop-up, taking the British Lion pub and stripping the interiors back to its original roots with exposed brick and wooden floors. There's an impressive selection of wine available by the glass here - and the bar prides itself on being a fraction of the cost of top restaurants stocking the same bottles. Pair your choice with delectable small plates, from burrata to charcuterie. 

For a true taste of Shanghai in East London, look no further than 68 Shanghai in Spitalfields. With its expertly crafted menu, this restaurant brings various Japanese and Spanish flavours to life among dazzling, bronzed interiors. 

The wine list is incredibly tempting, with a large selection of whites, reds and oranges. Stylish and contemporary, 68 Shanghai offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect venue for a casual meal or special occasion.

Find a Vagabond wine bar in London and you'll be spoilt for choice. Not only can you visit in Battersea, Clapham, Fulham, Canary Wharf and more, but their concept for pouring wines is unique too. With over 100 to try at each location, you're not just blessed with options aplenty, but you can grab a pre-paid card while to top-up and try tasters at the self-serve machines. 

From the creators of the award-winning bar Diogenes the Dog, Aspen & Meursault is a Battersea wine bar serving both looks and bottles. A menu of cured meats, oysters, and even boozy cheeses is supported by a list of low-intervention wines celebrating the very best of organic or biodynamic processes and techniques.

What user Laurence had to say about Aspen & Meursault - "Everything you'd look for in a wine bar. Beautiful decor, great wine and knowledgable staff" - January 2024

Renegade Urban Winery is located in Walthamstow, with a sister site in Bethnal Green, serving some of London's best vino. Not only do they offer tours and tasting, but you can also munch on a seasonally-changing menu and tasty charcuterie boards from the mezzanine or the laidback outdoor area.

The best wine tasting bar in London? It doesn't get much better than this beauty, which has over 20 by the glass and more than 300 bottles to choose between as well. Ideal for date nights in an intimate setting, The Wine Tasting Shop stocks artisanal producers and has live music each week too.

The Olde Wine Shades does exactly what it says on the tin: serves up a menu of different vinos in one of the oldest wine bars in the city. And what will you be swilling down with your glasses? Plenty of Spanish-influenced dishes and tapas plates.

Tucked away down a narrow passage, away from the hustle and bustle of Liverpool Street, this East London wine bar is a true hidden gem. Wood-panelled walls are adorned with quirky antiques and vintage artwork, while the Grapeshots menu features comfort food classics, hearty cheese plates and a fine selection of tipples to wash it down with.

A humble choice for a cheese and wine bar, London? Basil & Grape is a neighbourhood hideaway in Croydon serving pizza, salads, fresh meats and formage. Better yet, the team here are well-versed in the world of grapes and are more than happy to advise on the perfect glass to accompany your meal. 

Venture to Bank House for a hand-picked list of over 100 bottles when you next fancy a glass of red, white or rose. Better yet, there's small plates, Sunday roasts and more to tuck into while you drink plenty of new favourites.

Tucked away in Soho, The Black Book is a chic wine bar named after its iconic black book of premium wines housed in its cellar. Open Tuesday to Saturday, this spot, once a members-only haven, now welcomes everyone to enjoy its expertly curated wines.

Whether you're pairing Mediterranean small plates or just stopping by for a casual drink, the in-house sommelier is always ready to guide your selection. Their standout feature is the impressive 'by-the-glass' menu, allowing you to taste some of the finest bottles without breaking the bank.

Sister restaurant bar to the buzzing Soho spot Bar Crispin, Crispin exudes a similar, understated elegance. Housed within a small but perfectly formed asymmetric pavilion near Spitalfields market and only a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street Station, the intimate venue focuses on low-intervention, natural wines that pair beautifully with their seasonal small plates.

The minimalist decor and prime location make it a fantastic choice for an after-work drink or a leisurely evening in the City of London and the East End.

Step through Mac repair shop in Hackney to find Natural Philosopher, one of the city's best-kept secrets. This tiny bar offers a snug retreat for lovers of natural wine, owned and operated by award-winning bartender Josh Powell.

With its dim lighting and vintage decor, it's an intimate spot for enjoying unique, low-intervention bottles across a space decked out with plants and Victorian-inspired curiosities.

One of London's first real vino bars, this old-school offering in London Bridge brings you hearty grub and a fantastic drinks list. Easy to get to after a quick shop in Borough Market, The Boot and Flogger is historic, having opened back in 1965 as the original Davy's Wine Bar, touting fine wine by the glass.

Offering a range of crisp and refreshing wines, Searcy's at St Pancras also just happens to be Europe's longest Champagne bar, with a sister venue in Battersea. Pull up a seat in the historic station setting, soak in the stunning architecture and get to work on sampling some of the fantastic sparkling sips.  

STEM + STEM can be found in the City of London combining locally sourced British ingredients with a thoughtful wine list, all while doubling up as a florist. Its natural interiors are indicative of its approach to cooking - think plenty of foliage, crisp white tiles and minimalism done right.

The botanic beauty's wine selection features whites by the glass like Saint-Joseph “Litote” Bryan Deleu and sweet and fortified sips like Tawny Port, Niepoort, 10yo to name a few. 

When it comes to wine bars in Greenwich? Davy's Wine Vaults is one of our top picks for a slurp of the good stuff. With over 100 bottles and a neighbouring Davy's Wine Merchants store, which allows you to take your favourite home, it's the ultimate spot for a Friday night.

For top-notch places to sip organic glasses, Daly's Wine Bar is a great shout. The venue promises a cosy ambience, as well as a variety of a artisan beers and premium spirits, on top of 20 daily international wines to choose from. If that doesn't pique your interest, there's British cuisine on offer, including delish charcuterie spreads - perfect for date night across a bottle.

Nestled in the heart of West London, Wildflowers Restaurant is the ultimate destination for wine lovers seeking a sophisticated yet laid-back experience. With an extensive wine list curated from the finest vineyards, it's the perfect spot to unwind with a glass (or two) of something exceptional.

The ambience, a beautiful blend of modern elegance and relaxed charm, makes it an ideal venue for enjoying your favourite vintage or discovering a new favourite.

28-50 Wine Bars is a gorgeous collective of watering holes and restaurants, with beaut venues in Marylebone, Chelsea and Kensington, alongside a wine bar in Covent Garden. Head to one of their sites to explore a menu of seasonal plates and unique bottles from across the globe, with resident sommeliers on-site to help you pair.

Bringing the wines of Puglia, other Italian regions and beyond to London, Yapix is the gorgeous restaurant bar serving up a true taste of the Mediterranean in Canning Town. As for food, there's Italian sandwiches, fresh pasta and even Ancient Roman pinsa.

Located on the popular Drury Lane, Cecilia's Wine House is a first-class option for those of you who are into a glass of the good stuff. Head inside, where you'll be met with stylish interiors, alongside plenty of space to enjoy some up-and-coming or best-loved serves: from your burgundies to that all important Bordeaux.

You'll find Ciro's located in the heart of Islington, tucked away serving an exquisite selection of Italian small plates paired with wine. Venture down to get your lips around a glass of kiruna pecorino, 2023 or a skin contact wine like aleone, giostra, 2021 and pair it with house bread and olive oil, grilled peach and buffalo mozzarella crostini or lasagne. 

Situated near Fitzrovia, Amelie's Wine House is a fabulous escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a wide range of white, red and rose wines, all while checking out its array of cheese boards or light nibbles.

In need of the best wine bar in London? 116 Pall Mall is a magnificent Grade I listed venue that's bringing Georgian grandeur to your drinks. Mosey down to the secret cellar Champagne spot, where you'll uncover amazing fizz, one of the city's largest collections of magnums and a seasonal British menu to match.

Searcys at the Gherkin is one of the most elegant bars and restaurants in the city, spanning across levels 39 and 40 of the iconic skyscraper. Pairing stylish, modern design with top quality wines and Champagnes, this is the perfect place for great drinks and amazing views.

They serve both afternoon tea and a delicious set menu here as well, featuring dishes like spinach and parmesan ravioli, pan-seared sea bass and free-range pork belly.

Just a stone's throw away from Portobello Market, Franklin's Notting Hill is a great spot to drink good booze. Not only are they serving delicious wine but also a fabulous selection of cheese and charcuterie boards in their gorgeous space.

From the same group behind HIDE & Hedonism Wines comes The White Horse, a slinky yet laid-back pub. Not only is this Mayfair location cool as, offering rustic-chic decor downstairs and a scandi vibe at ground level, but it's also home to one of the best drinks lists in town.

Whether it's after-work drinks or a long Sunday lunch, Vinoteca delivers on all fronts. With locations all across London - including Borough Yards, King's Cross, City, Farringdon and beyond - this versatile spot combines a stellar wine list with a menu packed full of hearty European dishes.

Their retail section also means you can grab a bottle (or three) to take home, while cosy date nights are a given with the intimate ambience.

Looking to be straight out of a Dickens novel, The Mug House is a charming London Bridge wine bar, complete with original features and olde world interiors. While offering a menu of à la carte classics, this place is also known for its incredible wine selection, with staff on-hand to advise on the perfect pairing.

A London Bridge gem, Maltby Street Wine House is the ideal venue for those of you after lip-smacking bevvies. Venture inside, where you'll be met with cosy interiors, European-inspired food and an extensive drinks list that's sure to make anyone swoon.

After a Champagne and wine bar in Mayfair? Clémence is a stunning spot with interiors inspired by those of old school Parisian drinking dens, alongside having charcuterie and marinated octopus to boot. Not only that, but there's French cocktails to sup through as well.

El Vino celebrate not only the best in tapas and Spanish small plates, but their love of European wine is exceptional and grand, so you can find all your favourites here. Better yet? They're dotted all about the city, from London Bridge to Fleet Street and beyond.

The first bar dedicated to all things fizz, Prosecco House has glasses of the good stuff alongside prosecco cocktails, Italian meats, cheese and small plates. The swanky Tower Bridge bar fronts gorgeous velvet soft furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows which let the light flood in.

Whether you fancy a warming red on a bitter winter's day or refreshing rosé on the sun-soaked terrace, Balfour At Bow Wine Vaults is the place to go for those who know their vino. Enjoy bottles produced on the brand's own vineyard alongside international quaffs.

The first location from the team behind wine and food entertainment magazine, Noble Rot, this wine bar and restaurant is named after their publication and sits on Lamb's Conduit Street. It's more than just a wine bar - it's a pilgrimage site for wine lovers. Renowned for its extensive wine list and Michelin-starred small plates, this cosy spot seamlessly blends a warm, welcoming atmosphere with world-class expertise.

A wine bar was first opened on this site by a descendent of Admiral Nelson in 1974, but now houses a venue whose drinks offering was named 'Wine List of the Year' at the World Restaurant Awards in 2019 and the National Restaurant Awards four times over too. Think everything from orange wine by the glass to rare vintages from famous estates, alongside a Franglais food menu to accompany.

Situated on Blackstock Road in Islington, Top Cuvée is the fourth location from brothers and wine experts Max and Noel Venning, after the success of Bar Three, Three Sheets and Little Mercies. This time they've teamed up with Brodie Meah of Dinner by Heston in Melbourne, aiming to create a Parisian-inspired destination. The intimate space seats just 45 people at a time, with a daily menu of world-class wines to choose from - even giving you the option to take bottles home as well.

Following the success of his hugely popular pop-up and supper clubs, Max Graham brought his Portuguese sharing plates and tapas dishes to a permanent home in the arches of Union Street in Southwark. Not only that, but you can expect the finest wine from the country to accompany, including several bottles of Churchill's Port on offer from the restaurant's family estate. They've been making wine in the Douro Valley for over two centuries, so you're in safe hands.

Found near the south end of Bermondsey Street and its namesake market, 40 Maltby Street is a cosy little space for intimate drinks. Run from the warehouse of Gergovie Wines, the speciality here is pours from France, Italy and Slovenia.

Carousel's Neighbourhood Wine Bar offers a delightful dining experience that combines seasonal small plates, vibrant snacks, and a carefully chosen selection of low-intervention wines and artisanal cocktails.

 Inspired by Chef and Co-Founder Ollie Templeton's travels in Central America and the rich culinary diversity of Carousel's guest chefs, the menu showcases bold, inventive flavour combinations. Favourites include crispy hash browns with 'nduja and boquerón, charred asparagus with leeks and sesame, and grilled squid with smoked butter and chintextle. 

With multiple locations across the city, Humble Grape is a haven for sustainably sourced wines. Their independent ethos champions small-batch producers, offering everything from 30 wines by the glass to over 400 bottles of biodynamic, natural and sustainable wine.

Whether you're near Battersea, Fleet Street, or Islington, expect knowledgeable staff, an approachable atmosphere, and a great food pairing menu. Although the pink concrete-look walls and bright seating make the Islington venue a firm favourite of ours.

Dating back to 1890, Gordon's Wine Bar holds the title of London's oldest wine bar. Situated near Embankment, this atmospheric spot is steeped in history, with candlelit nooks and vaulted cellars.

The wine list spans the globe, offering an old-world charm that pairs perfectly with their famous cheese platters.

One of the most romantic wine bars in London? The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas takes the space that was once a historic bank, complete with original marble interiors and imposing ceilings. It's serving a huge selection of wines from all over the world, with over 12 countries' worth stocked up, alongside 20 by the glass.