Corney & Barrow

Dramatic lighting & beautifully restored brick vaults combine to soothing effect at this modest basement wine bar on the City’s eastern fringe. High chairs line the main arch, where a bar runs the length of the room; tucked behind it is a private room that can be hired for anything from quiz nights to jazz evenings. Share an antipasti platter, tackle a rib-eye steak ciabatta sandwich or opt for one of the hot lunchtime mains – perhaps cottage pie or goats’ cheese & red pepper linguine. To match the food, pick something affordable from the Corney & Barrow wine list: a Marquis de Lissac Sauvignon Blanc 2010 for £18.95, perhaps. In the evening, nibbles & bar bites help to keep drinkers’ appetites satisfied.