Bolt Hole

Sunny days tempt punters to congregate at the entrance to this snug basement wine bar close to Cannon Street, yet the brick-vaulted cellar within has its charms too, with plenty of nooks & crannies for those who don’t want to be noticed. The wine list majors on affordable quaffing, with plenty of sub-£30 choice & a reasonable selection by the glass – note the Finca las Parades Malbec from Mendoza at £5 a pop. There are sandwiches, wraps & salads to anchor it all down, & nibbles run to mammoth servings of mixed nuts that are almost too big to finish. Flatscreen TVs relay sport or rolling news, but they’re not intrusive & the loudest noise is likely to be the conversation. Service is pleasant, if a little slow at times.