Edwin's French Wine Bar and Restaurant

Edwin Chan made his name in the cut-throat world of advertising, but more recently has turned his attention to wine. He opened his first bar in Lyon in 2007, and is now selling the idea to London. The result is a world away from edgy Shoreditch, with a neutral café-au-lait colour scheme and smart wooden furniture, while the food is classic French bistro with some lighter additions – following the arrival of a new chef. Drinker-friendly small plates of warm octopus, lotus root and potato salad or gravlax with ginger confit now make the running, ahead of pan-fried Périgord foie gras, rib-eye steak and grilled lamb cutlets. Wines are imported directly from 70 independent French producers, although more informative notes would be helpful – that said, competitive pricing and the inclusion of a few big-name Bordeaux should keep everyone happy.