Vivat Bacchus (bar)

Vivat Bacchus wears its passion on its sleeve – maps of wine-producing regions decorate the walls of the long bar area, with vintage bottles & oak barrels scattered liberally about the place. Quaffing is, of course, at the top of the to-do list, & there are dozens of by-the-glass offerings from the 18,000 bottles in VB’s cellar – an abundance of riches from the Rainbow Nation reflects the bar’s South African ownership. Matching the booze is a hearty choice of food: salads & sandwiches play second fiddle to pies, stews & steaks, or you could simply nibble on some piri-piri droëwors (thin South African sausages made for snacking). Alternatively, have a sniff round the cheese room & concoct your own platter from the British & French specimens on display. Live music at weekends.