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Grape Street Wine Bar

222-224a Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EB

Wine Bars Covent Garden
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Don’t be fooled by the tiny triangular bar at street level; Grape’s bunch of regulars – studious horn-rims, raucous raconteurs & roly-poly Beryl Cook blondes – are all below stairs, toasting Bacchus with bottles of Bollinger in the bowels of this jolly quaint joint. The wine list cannily eschews Château d’Yquem & other highfalutin vintages in favour of cheeky Chablis & rich claret at £30; alternatively, roll with a red/white/rosé trio comprising Portuguese Palmela, Spanish Verdejo & a chilled Côtes de Provence that drinks like a summer night in Cassis. The bar’s retro-kitsch, ‘grapey’ decor is as homely as sticky toffee pud, the sort of filler you’ll find on a menu of keenly priced, bistro-style crowd-pleasers along with steak & chips, pastas, burgers, game & offal. Bibliophiles & loners can even browse the bar’s little library.

Overall Diner Rating

9.1
Food & Drink
9.1
Service
9.1
Atmosphere
9.0
Value
8.7

Based on 7 ratings. Rate it!

Customer Reviews

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  1. Dan M.
    Reviews: 1

    ( 30s, Male, London )

    Grape Street, situated just around the corner from the Shaftesbury Theatre, offers fabulous table service – even if you're only in for drinks, exceptionally friendly staff and service, and a unique relaxing ambience.

    One of my favourite places to go for a drink/meal after work or before the theatre. There's a really good wine list and a regularly changing food menu.

    My top tip would be to try the chips or the Greek Platter – both delicious and great value for money. It's many a time I've gone in for a quick drink after work and have ended up staying all night.

    If only more venues were as reliably wonderful as this one.

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
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  2. Adrian S.
    Reviews: 1

    ( 40s, Male )

    Grape Street Wine Bar has a most charming atmosphere which would be suitable for any occasion, it's one of those golden finds in the busy heart of London where good food and drink is available at very reasonable prices. I often meet friends here for a few drinks after work as there is a relaxing atmosphere without being
    ‘up-itself’ as is so often the case with bars in London. There is an extensive wine list and the food menu changes regularly. There are daily specials which are all well priced (approx. £7.50 upwards) and range from the usual pasta or burger dishes to the ‘that looks interesting, I'll try it’.

    Unlike many establishments, it's not dark and moody and it is possible to have a conversation with your friends without having to shout as any background music is where it's meant to be, in the background. They provide an accomodating ambience and a friendly smile – you can even try before you buy with your choice of their extensive wine list.

    It's ideal for a quick glass of wine or, to the other extreme, you can book the entire venue for a special occasion.

    There is a charm and uniqueness about Grape Street Wine Bar that you'll very much enjoy and will keep you coming back time after time. (I was rather tempted to write a bad review just to keep Grape Street to myself !!!)

    Enjoy.

    Adrian

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
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  3. Lyn T.
    Reviews: 1

    ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

    The best thing about Grape St is the atmosphere. Its a very friendly and comfortable place where you feel at home, even when on your own. The staff are delightful and feel like friends. People who have not met before often get chatting. Its small enough to be intimate, but big enough for large groups or privacy, depending on what you want. There is usually poetry tacked to the loo walls, and books and umbrellas to borrow as well. The place feels loved, with many delightful decorations and intrguing bits and peices. Food and drink are both excellent, and the lighting and music are subtle and relaxing. Its feels like one's own bit of home in central London. Very highly recommended!

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 8
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  4. Jenny S.
    Reviews: 1

    ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

    Great wine list, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you choose a bottle, if you fancy some advice. The food is straightforward, but usually with a twist, and generous in portion size. My son adores their burger and chips! (Don't worry, the place is NOT flooded with children, and when he's there, he just sits quietly in a corner witha book..) I am very fond of the Greek platter, when I want a snack, rather than a proper meal. They have a selection of dishes that are always available, such as those I have already mentioned, but they also have specials that change constantly, usually including some sort of pasta dish, a risotto, and various fish and meat dishes. I hired the upstairs room for my birthday party a few years ago, and the catering and service were both fantastic.

    The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, with a wine and grape-themed decor. The chalk board celebrity birthday list and the poems (changed regularly) in the loos are a delightful touch.

    I have been drinking and dining at Grape Street for at least 10 years, and have never been disappointed. I always take friends visiting from abroad there, and they all love it, too.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 8
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  5. Gina F.
    Reviews: 1

    ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

    Had a wonderfully relaxed lunch in this friendly atmosphere with friends, no rushing, food was fab, wine excellent and the service fantastic ! Grape Street Wine Bar is just the place if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of London's busy streets.

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  6. HP
    Gold Reviewer

    ( 30s, Female, United Kingdom )

    Editor's pick

    A hidden gem round the back of Covent Garden, Grape Street is a great place to escape the hoardes of tourists and impress people with your local knowledge. The wide variety of sensibly priced wine is the bar's real selling point but the food (modern European) is also good and well worth stopping in for; starters, mains and home made desserts are all at a set price (eg. mains at £6.95) and portions plentiful. There is also a daily specials boards and a good choice of cheese for those that want to graze and drink. The use of the waxed paper tablecloths do seem unnecessary and give the place a less sophisticated air…but maybe this adds to the charm?

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 7
    • Service: 8
    • Atmosphere: 7
    • Value: 8
    5 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
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    Essential Details for Grape Street Wine Bar

    Location of Grape Street Wine Bar

    Customer Reviews

    Been to this restaurant? Write a comment

    Write Your Review
    • 1Win fab prizes with free monthly prize draws!
    • 2See your views in print.
    • 3Collect your thoughts in one place.
    • 4Be rewarded with an Editor's Pick.
    • 5Rate restaurants and share your views.

    Showing 5 of 6 Reviews

    View all Grape Street Wine Bar reviews

    1. Dan M.
      Reviews: 1

      Dan M. ( 30s, Male, London )

      April 2010

      Grape Street, situated just around the corner from the Shaftesbury Theatre, offers fabulous table service – even if you're only in for drinks, exceptionally friendly staff and service, and a unique relaxing ambience.

      One of my favourite places to go for a drink/meal after work or before the theatre. There's a really good wine… More

      • Overall: 10
      • Food & Drink: 10
      • Service: 10
      • Atmosphere: 10
      • Value: 10
      Was it helpful to you?
       
    2. Adrian S.
      Reviews: 1

      Adrian S. ( 40s, Male )

      March 2010

      Grape Street Wine Bar has a most charming atmosphere which would be suitable for any occasion, it's one of those golden finds in the busy heart of London where good food and drink is available at very reasonable prices. I often meet friends here for a few drinks after work as there is a relaxing atmosphere without being
      ‘up-itsel… More

      • Overall: 10
      • Food & Drink: 10
      • Service: 10
      • Atmosphere: 10
      • Value: 10
      Was it helpful to you?
       
    3. Lyn T.
      Reviews: 1

      Lyn T. ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

      March 2010

      The best thing about Grape St is the atmosphere. Its a very friendly and comfortable place where you feel at home, even when on your own. The staff are delightful and feel like friends. People who have not met before often get chatting. Its small enough to be intimate, but big enough for large groups or privacy, depending on what… More

      • Overall: 10
      • Food & Drink: 10
      • Service: 10
      • Atmosphere: 10
      • Value: 8
      Was it helpful to you?
       
    4. Jenny S.
      Reviews: 1

      Jenny S. ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

      March 2010

      Great wine list, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you choose a bottle, if you fancy some advice. The food is straightforward, but usually with a twist, and generous in portion size. My son adores their burger and chips! (Don't worry, the place is NOT flooded with children, and when he's there, he just sits… More

      • Overall: 9
      • Food & Drink: 10
      • Service: 9
      • Atmosphere: 9
      • Value: 8
      Was it helpful to you?
       
    5. Gina F.
      Reviews: 1

      Gina F. ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

      December 2009

      Had a wonderfully relaxed lunch in this friendly atmosphere with friends, no rushing, food was fab, wine excellent and the service fantastic ! Grape Street Wine Bar is just the place if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of London's busy streets.

      • Overall: 10
      • Food & Drink: 10
      • Service: 10
      • Atmosphere: 10
      • Value: 10
      Was it helpful to you?
       
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