Rather than selling beer or liquor, a wine bar specializes in a curated selection of wine - typically profiled by type of origin and accompanied by a delicious food menu.
As the evenings draw in, London is the ideal spot to share a glass or two of natural wine with friends. So, here are our favourite wine bars in London and what to try when you visit them.
Best Wine Bars in London
We have chosen these wine bars based on their atmosphere, the seasonal food menu, and of course, their wine list. Let's get started!
The Wine Place Covent Garden
This wine bar just in the heart of London specializes in Italian wines. Every month they select the best wines based on their characteristics and the season.
They tend to have more bottles of red wine but also offer white, sparkling, rosé, sweet wines, and some spirits and liqueurs.
And, if you want to enjoy their wines from the comfort of your home, you can shop online and even do virtual wine tastings!
Website. https://www.italianwines.com/
Address: 33 The Market Building. Covent Garden Piazza. London WC2E 8RE.Opening hours: Sun: Midday - 7 pm. Mon to Sat: Midday - 10 pm.
Vinoteca King's Cross
Vinoteca is a relaxed wine bar founded by Brett (Rodney) and Charlie (The Horse) that offers an exceptional wine selection from small independent producers, typically accompanied by delicious seasonal modern British dishes.
The pair pride themselves in offering good value wines, particularly hard-to-find ones with excellent flavour and character.
They also have several flexible event spaces you can rent for weddings, work events, and more.
Website https://www.vinoteca.co.uk/vinoteca-menu/kingscross-food-wine/
Address: 3 King's Blvd, London N1C 4BU.Opening hours: Sun: 10 am - 10 pm. Mon to Fri: 8 am - 11 pm. Sat: 10 am- 11 pm.
Noble Rot
Noble Rot is an award-winning Parisian-style bar with locales in Bloomsbury and Soho. The group behind this intimate wine bar also runs a magazine for food and wine lovers.
The cuisine is a la carte and "Franglais" (a mix of French and British), with small plates you can get in the bar.
There's also an exciting selection of orange wines served by the glass or the bottle and ideal to combine with classic French bistro food. Don't miss the cartoons in the toilets!
Website https://noblerot.co.uk/
Address: Soho: 2 Greek Street, London 1D 4NB. Lambs Conduit: 51 Lamb's Conduit St, London WC1N 3NB.
Opening hours: Soho: Sun: CLOSED. Mon to Sat: 12 pm - 2:30 pm and 5 pm - 9:30 pm. Lambs Conduit: Soho: Sun: CLOSED. Mon to Sat: 12 pm - 2:30 pm and 6 pm - 9:30 pm.
Clapham Common South Side
This bar offers fine wines and natural wines from a 100-year-old former Victorian water closet located just below Clapham Common station.
Don't worry, though; the place has been thoughtfully restored! One thing that sets this cosy wine bar apart is its delicious charcuterie boards.
There are a number of delicious seasonal small plates, bar snacks, and cheese platters to choose from.
Website. https://www.wcbars.co.uk/
Address: CC South Side, London, SW4 7AA.Opening hours: Sun to Thu: 5 pm - 11 pm. Fri and Sat: 5 pm - Midnight.
Bar Douro London Bridge
This traditional Portuguese restaurant serves sharing plates and interesting wines from Portugal and the world.
Bar Douro was born out of its owner Max's love of the country, in particular the Douro Balley, which has been producing great wine and delicious olive oil for over 200 years.
This bar, which has grown in popularity in the hospitality industry, is perfect for a romantic evening.
Website. https://www.bardouro.co.uk/
Address: 35B, Arch, 85B Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0NQ.
Opening hours: Sun: 12 pm - 9 pm. Mon: CLOSED. Tue to Thu: 5 pm - 10 pm. Fri and Sat: 12 pm - 10 pm.
Humble Grape
Humble Grape is a series of wine bars (some also bottle shop) that hoe more than 400 low intervention wines, all imported directly from independent makers.
The locales have a passion for sustainability and offers many organic wines, as well as monthly tastings (they have a tasting room) and masterclasses.
You can also discover their natural wine list from home, as they deliver world wines to you directly.
Website https://www.humblegrape.co.uk/
Address: Check the website for their Battersea, Islington, Canary Wharf, Fleet Street, and Liverpool Street locations.
Opening hours: Sun: 12 pm - 10 pm. Mon to Thu: 3 pm to 11 pm. Fri: 3 pm to 1 am. Sat: 12 pm to 12 am.
Forza Wine
Forza Wine in Peckham is the taller sibling of Forza Win and a beautiful rooftop bar offering quality wines a stone's throw from the Peckham Rye tube station.
Their impressive wine list, which includes biodynamic wines, is combined with a tasting menu of Italian indulgence. All with some of the best panoramic views!
If you're looking for snacks, views, and drinks in South London, don't hesitate to try this urban winery option.
Website https://forzawine.com/
Address: The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, London SE15 4BQ.
Opening hours: Sun to Thu: 12 - to 11:30 pm. Fri to Sat: 12 pm - 12:30 am.
Bedales of Borough Market
Bedales is a wine shop, wine bar, and market terrace in the Borough Market. Their flagship location was originally a potato storehouse but now boasts a wine cellar and open kitchen that has turned Bedales into a hidden gem - and the ideal location to drink wine and try a hearty food menu that includes cured meats, cheese plates, and elaborate seasonal dishes.
Website https://www.bedaleswines.com/borough-market
Address: 5 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL.Opening hours: Sun: 12 pm - 7 pm. Mon to Sat: 10 am - 11 pm.
The Winemakers Club
This wine club is both a wine importer and a shop and bar. They are passionate about high-quality organic wines that come from traditional international wineries looking to make a difference.
They have been selling wines for over 15 years, and during that time, they have supported countless producers that embrace biodynamics in their vineyards.
You can visit their locale in Holborn, where they maintain classic excellence standards.
Website http://www.thewinemakersclub.co.uk/
Address: 41a Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AN.
Opening hours: Sun: CLOSED. Mon to Fri: 11 am to 11 pm. Sat: 5 pm - 11 pm.
You might also be interested in these bars in London:
The Best Gay Bars: London
The Best Bars in London and Their Fabulous Cocktails
The Best Rooftop Bars: London
The Best Gin Bars in London (and Why You Should Visit Them)