The Forge Wine Bar

The Forge’s intimate, air-conditioned cellar plays it simple (think olive walls, kingfisher banquettes & user-friendly high stools) & boosts the current wine-bar revival by shifting the focus onto quality wines & good food. The lengthy, value-conscious Europhile list includes plenty of good stuff. Try an entry-level Tarn Sauvignon Blanc (£15.50) or upgrade to Morogues Menetou Salon – at £32, it drinks like a July afternoon on the Loire. There are also more than 40 selections by the glass: the rich berry burst of a Castilian Abadia Retuerta Rivola (£7.50) works well with bresaola, crispy artichokes & rocket or fine Teruel ham carved from the bone. Above-average tapas such as ricotta basil & tomato galette or dressed crab with anchovy & piquillo pepper aïoli on toast join more substantial Mediterranean-style baked bream, steak & ale pie, & seafood platters (£29).