Popina by Lynrace is a late-night wine, cheese and charcuterie bar in Oxford, inspired by the popinae of ancient Rome, where people gathered to drink wine and share simple food. That relaxed, convivial spirit carries through today, making Popina a popular spot for dates, small group gatherings and unhurried evenings with good food and wine.
Inside, Popina has a dark, moody aesthetic with exposed brick walls, velvet curtains and low lighting, creating an intimate, speakeasy-like atmosphere. There are also a small number of outdoor tables beneath a canopy for street-side dining.
Matched with varied wines and unique vintages, the Popina menu is deliberately focused, centring on carefully sourced cheeses and cured meats from small independent producers in Italy. Guests can create their own boards or sample a wider selection, choosing from delicacies including rich triple-milk cheeses, creamy blues, pepper and garlic crusted aged pork, traditional sausage and cured pork belly.
Smaller plates and nibbles complement the boards, such as olives, smoked almonds, black olive tapenade with Tuscan olive oil and burrata finished simply with olive oil and balsamic. To finish, there's the classic Italian dessert, freshly prepared cannoli Siciliani filled with sweet ricotta, candied orange and crushed pistachio.
Wine is very much at the heart of the experience. The list spans sparkling, white, amber, red and rose wines, alongside a rotating wine of the week. Bottles and glasses are available, and the team are happy to recommend pairings to suit different cheeses and meats. Beyond wine, the drinks selection also includes classic cocktails and more unusual creations, alongside Champagne cocktails, beers, alcohol-free options and a concise range of spirits including cognac and grappa.
Groups can opt for a hosted wine and cheese tasting or just pop in for a casual night of great food, drink and conversation. To book a table, please submit a request via the Popina website, and a member of the team will follow up to confirm or assist further.