Wine Library

Shelf-browsing pays dividends at this wine lovers' paradise just off Tower Hill, and you can enjoy the fruits of your deliberations at shop prices (plus corkage) in the adjacent restaurant. Prestigious Bordeaux and Burgundy loom large, but there's plenty of intriguing drinking for a more modest outlay, too: try a plummy Dolcetta from the little-known Ovada region of northern Italy or a Château Ksara from Lebanon's oldest vineyard, made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. On weekday lunchtimes, solid refreshment comes from a hearty buffet of game terrines, organic quiches, hams, saucisson from the Loire Valley and other deli staples; in the evenings, you have to make do with Phillipe Olivier cheeses. Either way, the owner is on hand to provide good advice and ‘great service'.