The City Flogger

A flogger is a tool used to strike a cork into a wine bottle or cask, so it’s only fitting that barrels mark the descent to this dyed-in-the-wool, traditionally styled basement wine bar just off Fenchurch Street. Uncork a bottle from the ever-dependable Davy’s list – a 2009 Sancerre rosé Les Villots, perhaps – before checking the contents of the menu: there might be gravadlax with quail’s egg or prosciutto with marinated fig to start, ahead of bangers & mash or dressed Devon crab with mixed leaves & hot buttered potatoes, with treacle tart or a board of British cheeses to finish. Regular wine tastings & quiz nights keep it all lively, private rooms suit those with business in mind, & there’s Wi-Fi for others who need to stay connected.