The Forge Wine Bar

Hidden away in the basement of the Forge restaurant, this wine bar may lack instant kerb appeal, but persevere – its well-stocked cellars merit exploration. Pull up at the zinc bar for top-drawer sips by the glass or half-bottle, not least a ripe Mâcon-Villages or a Gnarly Head Zinfandel. If you’re travelling by the bottle, go economy (Bodegas Norton Torrontes at £18), club (scintillating Sicilian Planeta Chardonnay, £50), first (Penfold’s Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, £210) or join the private jetset (a 1996 Domaine Comte de Vogue Musigny at a vertiginous £500). Pick at superior Mediterranean-inspired plates of bresaola, pissaladière or anchovy, piquillo peppers & aïoli on toast, or go for a substantial plate of merguez sausage & chips, steak & ale pie or creamy linguine with smoked chicken & pine nuts.