The Contented Vine

Slightly off the beaten track on a quiet Pimlico street, this friendly wine bar & bistro is treasured by locals for its caring touch & dedication to duty. There’s plenty to look at in the busy ground-floor dining room, with original food-themed paintings on the walls & chefs going about their work in the glass-fronted kitchen. Downstairs, the more bohemian Red Room leads to a sheltered garden where barbecues take place in summer. The mainstream menu aims for sound sustenance rather than thrills, so reckon on the likes of salt & pepper squid followed by braised lamb shank with rosemary mash, or spit-roast duck from the rotisserie. Weekend brunch includes scrambled eggs & smoked salmon on toast & there’s a traditional roast for Sunday lunch. The wine list features an impressive collection of bottles from around the world, although France is a favourite & Taittinger the Champagne of choice.