The Habit

A scattering of outside tables adds alfresco appeal to this snug, welcoming wine bar beneath a modern office building near Fenchurch Street station. Inside it has the look of a classic Davy’s, with sawdust on the floor & oak wine barrels serving as tables. A formal dining room to one side of the bar serves up char-grilled Donald Russell steaks, including a 35-day aged pavé rump & a 350g bone-in rib-eye. If your taste runs to lighter or less resolutely carnivorous fare the menu also touts sandwiches, retro prawn cocktails & even a roast vegetable lasagne. The creditable wine choice ranges from good-value, own-label bottles to an intriguing full-bodied 2003 Chryseia from Douro in Portugal, made in a joint venture with Bruno Prats of Château Cos d’Estournel.