33 of the best wine bars in London

There was once a time when the phrase ‘wine bar’, for many of us, conjured images of knackered carpets and easy listening jazz compilations. The wine bars of the eighties were a funny lot - sepia-stained and tobacco-fumed. Often, they were upmarket pubs where the walls and bars were slightly less sticky. Though they are remembered fondly for many a boozy working lunch, the concept somewhat died in the new millennium.

But from the ashes, a new generation of London wine bars has sprouted and is slowly wrapping its tendrils around the trendier parts of the capital. The wine bars of old weren’t really concerned with wine itself, but the new generation is the domain of the wine-obsessed. The best London wine bars import rare wines from all over the globe, picking unknown winemakers from obscurity and showing their bottles to a crowd of connoisseurs who are all too ready to expand their culinary horizons.

Truth be told, the best London wine bars and restaurants have taken great inspiration from our European neighbours in the intervening years. Excellent wine is just one part of the equation - what separates great wine bars on the continent is the outstanding, effortless food that unites with wine to become something greater than the sum of the parts.

East London has been the test bed for the wine bar regeneration, but now we’re seeing South London (and particularly the south east) matching pace. It’s not just those traditionally on-trend parts either, as a wealth of top wine bars in the City of London proves, the city slickers have a taste for it too. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites here - yes, admittedly, some are stretching the true definition of a wine bar, but the lines are much more blurred than they used to be, and we’re confident that if you’re looking for London’s best wine bars, you won’t be disappointed with any of these.

Best wine bars in Central London

You never know when you might find yourself feeling a bit parched somewhere in Central London. The list below covers a pretty wide area (London is quite big, isn't it?). But hopefully you'll find something for everyone below.

Stem+Stem, City of London

What: We all know wine bars are great. But do you know what's even better? Wine bars with brilliant restaurants and a florist inside, too. Stem+Stem occupies this unusual but brilliant middle ground, serving as a top spot for lunch and a few glasses, flower arranging, and brilliant sustainable fine dining dishes by executive chef Ed Boarland. Having worked under Gordon Ramsay at The Waterside Inn and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, as well as Cabotte, Boarland brings an intense level of City dining knowledge along with a passion for all things wine. Who wouldn't want to make the most of that in gorgeous floral interiors?
Where: 12 Bow Lane, EC4M 9AL
Book now: Stem+Stem

Bar Crispin, Soho

What: Bar Crispin is the younger sibling to Crispin in Spitalfields - whilst the latter is primarily a restaurant, the former puts wines firmly in the spotlight. The in-house sommelier has focused the 150-strong wine list on old-world and indigenous grape varieties as well as indie producers and natural wines. The food menu is broadly European with an emphasis on seasonal produce. With wine tastings, unique events with winemakers and importers, guest chefs and more, there's always something good happening at Bar Crispin.
Where: 19 Kingly Street, W1B 5PY
Book now: Bar Crispin

Clarette, Marylebone

What: Settled inside an unusual mock-Tudor building, Clarette comes with some truly gorgeous stained glass windows and stunning Art Deco interiors. It’s the picture of a neighbourhood wine bar, led by Alexandra Petit-Mentzelopoulos of the Chateau Margaux family, and leading restaurateur Natsuko Perromat du Marais wine is the beating heart of the place. There’s great breadth too, including new grape types and regions alongside a solid showing of French vineyards, including Chateau Margeaux itself.
Where: 44 Blandford Street, W1U 7HS
Book now: Clarette

Enoteca da Luca St Paul’s, City of London and Liverpool Street

What: Each of these attractive wine bars has its own distinct character and menu, but the house style, which simply relies on great Italian ingredients and wines, should bring out the Latin lover in everyone. With three across the City, they’re ideal stop-off points for seriously tempting platters of antipasti and cheese, as well as beautifully prepared, tapas-sized sharing plates. Think octopus, chorizo and Jerusalem artichoke, or burrata with pickled beetroot and curly kale, embellished with a touch of honeycomb for sweetness. If you’re not one for sharing, don't despair: you can hog the slow-cooked pig cheeks with soft polenta and parmesan crisps for yourself, washing it down with a little Tignanello and leaving with a smile on your face.
Where: 20-21 Watling Street, EC4M 9BR; Western Courtyard, Devonshire Square, EC2M 4AE
Book now: Enoteca da Luca St Paul’s; Enoteca da Luca Devonshire Square

Hithe + Seek, The City

What: Wine and food are paired in perfect harmony at this internationally-inspired wine and cocktail bar. The wine menu is extensive and split into two sections: a more approachable selection under 'Hithe', and a range for those brave enough to try something new under 'Seek'. The food menu, meanwhile, features a selection of innovative small plates with a wine pairing to match each dish. Think braised pork belly bao buns, grilled Galician octopus with forbidden rice and saffron aioli, and chickpea panisse with aubergine, courgette and harissa. Enjoy a couple of wines by the glass or go the whole hog with the full food and wine experience.  
Where: 60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
Book now: Hithe + Seek

The Winemakers Club, Farringdon

What: This one’s a triple threat: wine bar, shop and importer all rolled into one. Set beneath the Holborn Viaduct, the space is simply stunning. Think cosy arches, stained glass, and plenty of intimate tables to enjoy a list packed with unusual sips from lesser-known producers alongside more classic labels. Book a table, and it’s yours for the entire evening, no rushing, just a night of top-notch wines and proper conversation. Word to the wise: the team here do save tables for walk-ins, but if you’re visiting midweek, best to book a table - it fills up quick!
Where: 41a Farringdon Street, EC4A 4AN
Book now: The Winemakers Club

Quality Wines, Farringdon

What: Quality Chop House had been a consistent high performer in London for years, so this wine bar offshoot was always bound to happen. Quality Wines does everything the Chop House does, and just as well - the wines are first-rate, and the food is truly special, even for London standards. Chef Nick Bramham manages to turn out clever riffs on Mediterranean classics on an oft-changing menu, but everything hits the mark. When a wine bar serves food this good, where does the line between restaurant and wine bar truly lie?
Where: 88 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3EA
Book now: Quality Wines

St John Smithfield, Farringdon

What: Fergus Henderson's timeless Smithfield restaurant famously ushered in a new era of nose-to-tail eating, but it was also a legitimate trailblazer in the wine stakes too - Henderson and business partner Trevor Gulliver went to great efforts to work directly with French winemakers in the restaurant's early days. You can still head to the original Smithfield restaurant for a good tipple - stop just short of the whitewashed restaurant itself and grab a table in the bar where you can enjoy some bar snacks and excellent St John wines by the glass. 
Where: 26 St John Street, EC1M 4AY
Book now: St John Smithfield

Bar Flor, Pimlico

What: We're huge fans of Pimlico restaurant Wildflowers (naturally, we crowned it number one in SquareMeal’s Top 100 London Restaurant Awards 2026), but head upstairs and you'll find an equally brilliant wine and pintxos bar - Bar Flor. Compared to Wildflowers’ bright, buzzing dining room, Bar Flor is dark and moody, lit by the flicker of candles. Settle in with a magnificent Peschiole Martini before you crack into Bar Flor’s dynamic wine list, which includes some superb by-the-glass options. The expansive space benefits from high ceilings and open windows that look out into Newsom’s Yard, so it feels airy and fresh even though not technically al fresco.
Where: Newson’s Yard, SW1W 8NE
Book now: Bar Flor

Gordon's Wine Bar, Embankment

What: When Gordon’s first opened, talk over the claret or hock might have turned to Van Gogh’s death, Tchaikovsky’s new ballet or the opening of the Forth Bridge. More than 120 years down the line, it’s remarkable that this bar is still going strong. Crepuscular, candlelit cellars will appeal to those who value raffish character above clean-lined corporate clones. Good for a first date, a tête-à-tête or Merlot with your mates, the wine list offers great value: crisp Portuguese rosado, Muscat from Bulgaria, cava, Marlborough Sauvignon, sherries and ports aplenty. Gordon’s lunchtime spread is the big draw for office workers, tourists and nostalgia geeks: cold cuts, bakes, winter-warmer pies and summery salads have distinctly retro appeal at this sepia-toned charmer.
Where: 47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE
Book now: Gordon's Wine Bar

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels Seven Dials, Covent Garden

What: If your wine tastes are unashamedly Gallic, head on over to Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels in Seven Dials for a list of French wines to swoon over. The cosy interior is spread over two floors (upstairs is more spacious) with plump cushions, divans, low tables and sparkling candlelight - the perfect atmosphere for enjoying big, brash Bordeaux and delicate, flinty white Burgundies in equal measure. If you really fancy yourself as an oenophile, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels also has a mystery wine on the menu - if you can guess what it is, you win a bottle to take away.
Where: 8-10 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP
Book now: Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels Seven Dials

Cabotte, City of London

What: With not just one but two master sommeliers at the helm (Xavier Rousset and Gearoid Devaney), Cabotte has a serious pedigree. Cabotte is a love-letter to the wines of France, particularly the region of Burgundy, which retains legitimate consideration as the finest and most historic wine-making region in the world. As such, there are some very serious wines on the list here, but fear not if you're easily overawed - there's a handy shortlist that will guide you in the right direction.
Where: 48 Gresham Street, EC2V 7AY
Book now: Cabotte

Best wine bars in East London

East London has been a hotbed for new talent in the food and wine stakes - particularly when it comes to natty wines. Expect plenty of low-intervention options, as well as some of the best food in the city.

Clara’s, Shoreditch

What: Ex-Artusi chef Elie Fourcroy leads the kitchen at Clara’s, turning out produce-first dishes and menus that change with the seasons, often with a Mediterranean-European lilt. As for drinking, Clara’s offers a good number of tables outside, as well as some walk-in space for glasses of pét-nat, unusual Swiss wines and classic Burgundies. Expect a weekly by-the-glass list made up of special bottles selected specifically for the occasion. Our advice? Visit on a Sunday, when Clara’s opens to cater to the wine bar crowd with snacks from the deli counter and takeaway wine.
Where: 17 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA
Book now: Clara’s

Dan’s, Dalston

What: Taking up the mantle as one of Dalston’s best-known (and busiest) wine bars, Dan’s sprawling summer crowds have become something of a fixture. Backed by Dan Long, of low-intervention wine supplier, Parched Wine, Dan’s is about easy-going walk-in style drinking. As you’d expect, there’s natty wine aplenty. We’re talking native ferment techniques and minimum intervention bottles like Maxime Crotet Bourgogne Aligoté, pet nats and a wine fridge with shelves labelled ‘cheap and cheerful’, ‘mega skins’, ‘easy skins’, and ‘life changing’.
Where: 2-4 Tottenham Road, N1 4BZ
Book now: Dan’s

Passione Vino, Shoreditch

What: This indie wine store in Shoreditch was already beloved thanks to the thoughtful wine buying of sommelier owner Luca Dusi, but Passione Vino added casual dining to its offering in 2021 as well. Chef Pascal Lazzarotto worked at Lyle's and Broadway Market's Hill & Szrok before taking over at Passione Vino, and he cooks quintessential Venetian classics here. Meanwhile, Luca focuses on lesser-known Italian producers and grapes, delving deep into his extensive knowledge to find the right wine for you - there's no list here, just tell Luca what you're looking for, and he'll find something to suit.
Where: 85 Leonard Street, EC2A 4QS
Book now: Passione Vino

Traders Wine Bar, St Katherine Docks

What: Overlooking the picturesque Central Basin near Tower Bridge, Traders is an independent wine shop, café, bar and tasting room from the crew behind Pall Mall Fine Wine and Shepherd Market Wine House. Good stuff at approachable prices is the deal, served at sheltered outdoor tables, or indoors in a cobbled-together casual bar alongside tasty cheese and charcuterie boards. A beautiful spot to enjoy a glass on one of London's rare sunny days.
Where: Units DE1 and D2, Ivory House, E1W 1AT
Book now: Traders Wine Bar

Best wine bars in North London

North London's wine bars are a classy lot. Islington is a great place to be if you're looking for good food and drink, but we've picked out a couple of standout options, including Top Cuvée, which is doing its best to single-handedly make Blackstock Road a foodie destination.

Half Cut Market, Camden Town

What: The name of this one pretty much gives away the game. Big on wine, with bottles to take away, Half Cut Market’s wine selection is headed up by co-owner Holly Willcocks, who also heads up the list at Mountain in Soho. The list is largely natural, but you’ll find other more familiar numbers in there as well. Think herbaceous Guy Allion Sauvignon Blanc, wines from Macon Village, and a ripe and natural Rioja. To match is a menu of sublime drinking food and larger plates.
Where: 396 York Way, N7 9LW
Book now: Half Cut Market

Provisions, Holloway

What: Small but brimming with character, Provisions is a no-frills deli and wine bar with a pretty romantic vibe. Come for winter date nights at the counter, or take over the central butcher’s block-style table with a group and soak it all in. The staff are lovely, and there’s a menu of beautiful cheeses and small snacks to match. Come summer, you’ll find sunny benches outside - perfect for a class of something cold and some casual pre-dinner snacking. Pick up a bottle and some artisan cheese to take home while you’re at it.
Where: 167 Holloway Road, N7 8LX
Book now: Provisions

Godet, Islington

What: A quirky wine pub slash wine bar, you’ll find Godet on the Essex Road between Islington and Dalston. At the moment, it’s got long-term residency Ling Ling’s in, serving up Cantonese-style plates like the iconic fried wontons to match with a sensibly short by-the-glass wine list that includes orange Muscat, Gamay, and Jacquere, to name a few. Meanwhile, a more comprehensive by-the-bottle range offers some beautiful numbers from established French regions.
Where: 382 Essex Road, N1 3PF
Book now: Godet

Top Cuvée, Highbury

What: Seasonal, ingredient-led food, natural wines from small producers - stop us if you've heard this before. It would be a shame to miss out on Top Cuvée, though, because it's a wonderful little wine bar in an area that has traditionally been starved of good food and drink, unless your drink of choice is lager before a north London derby. As a result, the place is often packed, and tables can be hard to come by. There are no wine lists to speak of, but sommeliers are extremely knowledgeable, and there's a tidy little menu of bar snacks and small plates to enjoy alongside.
Where: 177B Blackstock Road, N5 2LL
Book now: Top Cuvée

Best wine bars in West London

There's no shortage of drinking holes in West London, but we've kept the list short and sweet with a few of our favourites, including some very on-trend Notting Hill spots, and more classic wine bars in Chelsea.

Trogolo, Notting Hill

What: Helmed by Giovanni Mazzei of the Mazzei wine family and Lara Boglione of the wonderful Petersham Nurseries, Trogolo serves up an ever-evolving selection of Tuscan wines and producers from further afield. The list champions the natural and expressive, with a solid showing of biodynamics and low-intervention serves by the glass. To match is a brilliant bancone menu, featuring premium salami, crostoni, and ‘trogolini’ small milk buns filled with the likes of white asparagus, slow-cooked peppered pork neck, and lampredotto.
Where: 296 Westbourne Grove, W11 2PS
Book now: Trogolo

Ria’s, Notting Hill

What: Ria’s made quite the splash when it first landed, thanks to its unusual but 100% winning combination of natural wine and Detroit-style pizzas by the slice. Fluffy, deep, focaccia-esque pizza and orange is the perfect match, who knew? Well, now armed with two successful wine bars, both Notting Hill and Ria’s Soho, the news is out. Not a fan of the skin contact stuff? Don’t worry, there’s a good selection of more gentle natural styles and biodynamics, so just ask the team for a couple of pointers.
Where: 29 All Saints Road, W11 1HE
Book now: Ria’s

Sol's, Bayswater

What: This petite Bayswater wine bar has made a big splash since arriving in 2024. Respected journalist Mina Holland curates a wine list packed with juicy low-intervention bottles - including a fabulous, refreshing Cinsault rosé that we tested whilst we were there. The cooking is simple but deceptively lovely, bringing together peak season dishes like white peaches with mozzarella, pine nuts and basil, alongside larger sharing plates like a lovely lemon and oregano half roast chicken with romesco sauce. Sol's isn't the biggest, so it's worth booking to make sure there's a spot for you, and when the weather is nice, you can hang out on the pavement with a glass of something nice. 
Where: 25 Leinster Terrace, W2 3ET
Book now: Sol's

Sova, Notting Hill

What: Doubling up as a vinyl bar, Sova offers an exploration of wines from Eastern and Central Europe, alongside a short and snappy menu of Slavic plates made for sharing. The list leans natural, but not exclusively, offering up Croatian Graševina, Ukrainian Telti-Kuruk, and more conventional bottles like Loire Valley Sauvignon and Chablis. Much on the list used to be shunned by sommeliers, but there’s something of a boom underway - so head this way if you’re keen to be bang up to date on what’s hot in the wine world.
Where: 9 Blenheim Crescent, W11 2EE
Book now: Sova

Margaux, South Kensington

What: As the name suggests, Margaux is as much about wine as it is about food. Sixteen house selections come in four different sizes for easy matching and, boy, is there some matching to be done on this menu. From homemade pork terrine and tuna tartare with umami-rich miso dressing, via pappardelle with rabbit ragù or confit duck with cocoa, pear compote and blackberries, right through to tarte Tatin, you can almost taste the wine you're going to drink before the bottles are open. Enthusiastic staff will guide you towards choice bottles from the 200-strong list, and there's plenty of interest below £50 – though you might be tempted to splash out on that namesake Bordeaux.
Where: 152 Old Brompton Road,  SW5 0BE
Book now: Margaux

Best wine bars in South London

London's south-of-the-river denizens didn't have much to crow about for a while, but now almost all areas are thriving with exciting new restaurants and wine bars. Scroll down for our favourites.

Baccala Seafood & Wine, London Bridge

What: It might be best known for its seafood menus and sunny shores vibe, but Baccala treats its wine list with the same care and attention. It’s an all-Italian highlight reel of some of the best small, artisan producers in the game right now, championing those practising sustainable agriculture and low or no-intervention methods. The wine list here is a lesson in Italian viticulture, and you’ll have lovely staff on hand for extra guidance. Plus, wine isn’t the only area of expertise; alongside Baccala’s vermouth bar, you can also go for an extra virgin olive oil pairing menu.
Where: 194-204 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Book now: Baccala Seafood & Wine

Vagabond Urban Winery, Canada Water

What: Taking on the title of the biggest urban winery, it seems there’s no stopping Vagabond’s stratospheric rise. The self-service concept and wide-ranging choice make each outpost a worthy entry on this list. Plus, with sites in every corner of London, it always helps that you’re never too far away from a Vagabond! We’ve put some of our favourites here too (even though not all are in south London), simply because uber-tasty wines and the buzzing vibe make Vagabond a destination for all occasions, from date nights to birthday celebrations.
Where: 9 Deal Porters Way, SE16 2AJ; Unit 12 Circus Village West, SW11 8EZ; 51 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0EH
Book now: Vagabond Urban Winery; Vagabond Battersea; Vagabond Monument

Pedro’s Wine Bar, Bermondsey

What: Tucked under a railway arch in London Bridge, Pedro’s Wine Bar offers an authentic and cosy experience for wine lovers in South London. With its rustic tables, exposed stone walls and authentic Portuguese fare, there aren’t many better places to while away an evening with good food and an extensive collection of wines available by the glass or bottle. Whilst plenty of options on this list showcase a wide range of producers across the globe, Pedro’s specialises in Portuguese bottles, boasting hidden gems and lesser-known varieties throughout its menus.
Where: 108 Druid Street, SE1 2HH
Book now: Pedro's Wine Bar

Luna Wine Bar, London Bridge

What: From the same duo behind smash hit Legare (Jay Patel and chef Matt Beardmore), Luna Wine Bar champions biodynamic bottles from this hidden archway spot just steps from Tower Bridge. Inside, Luna is compact but cosy, thanks to pale woods and candlelit tables. The menu is just as comforting, offering up seasonal plates for sharing, like lemon sole with tartare, white asparagus with parsnip puree, cheese plates and lemon mousse with crumble. Delicious.
Where: Unit 6, 36 Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
Book now: Luna

Peckham Cellars, Peckham

What: From newcomer to Queens Road mainstay, Peckham Cellars has done a great deal to bolster Peckham's reputation as a serious foodie destination. Handling the wines is Ben McVeigh (former head sommelier at 28-50 Fetter Lane), who has assembled an eclectic yet accessible line-up that focuses on variety and affordability, but also has a few surprises for even the most experienced connoisseurs. Back that up with bold, unfussy cooking coming out of the kitchen, and it's no wonder that this Peckham Cellars has a sizeable following in south London.
Where: 125 Queens Road, Peckham, London, SE15 2ND
Book now: Peckham Cellars

Lulu's, Herne Hill

What: This diminutive wine bar attached to popular Herne Hill restaurant Llewellyn's does a lot with very little, serving a compact but delicious menu alongside a smartly curated wine list and some nice house cocktails. Outside tables are in high demand during the summer, when Lulu's really comes into its own as you sip on a crisp white in the dappled shade of nearby trees. If you're lucky enough to live nearby, Lulu's does great lunchtime sandwiches, too. 
Where: 291 Railton Road, SE24 0JP
Book now: Lulu's

Bar Douro, Southwark

What: Bar Douro founder Max Graham's family has been producing Churchill’s Port in the Douro Valley for 200 years, and Bar Douro looks and feels every part the authentic Portuguese taberna thanks to its blue-and-white azulejos tiling and marble counters. Max's wine list celebrates indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, and the one-page menu is packed with homely Portuguese cooking too - there's bacalao, spicy sausage croquettes, garlic prawns, prego steak and, of course, sweet pastel de nata and port to finish. 
Where: Arch 35B, Union Street, Flat Iron Square, Southwark, London, SE1 1TD
Book now: Bar Douro

40 Maltby Street, Southwark

What: Maltby Street is one of London's best-known foodie addresses these days, and also one of the hardest to get around during market hours. That doesn't stop people heading to 40 Maltby Street en masse, though, to try and grab one of the most in-demand tables in the city. Resident booze-experts Gergovie Wines focus largely on low-intervention wines that eschew chemicals and pesticides, and the food team is led by Stephen Williams, once of The Ledbury. No wonder everything is so good here.
Where: 40 Maltby Street, Southwark, London, SE1 3PA
Book now: 40 Maltby Street

Call yourself a oenophile? You might want to check out London's best natural wine bars and brush up on the latest wine trends - many also serve more classic options, alongside small plates and trendy food concepts. Or if you prefer to get out of the house for a tipple, make a note of London's best late night bars.