London’s best bars and pubs
-
By Time Out critics
Updated: Wed Jun 30 2010 Map | Hotel bars | Spirits & cocktails | Real ale & good beer | Historic pubs | Wow factor | Gastropubs | Wine bars
Wine bars
Feature continues-
Bar Pepito
Varnisher’s Yard, The Regent Quarter, N1 9DF (020 7841 7331/ www.camino.uk.com/pepito).
Like the ever faithful understudy, sherry has rarely had its chance in the spotlight. Well, apart from the few days a year where the tepid bottle of sweet sherry comes out from its hiding spot at the back of the liquor cabinet. Andalucians have every right to be offended by the way their iconic tipple has been maligned, and Bar Pepito – London’s latest ‘sherry bar’ – is the first big step to repairing the damage done by one too many schooners of the sweet stuff. Fifteen sherries, from the biggest sherry producers (Gonzalez-Byass, Lustau, Tio Pepe, Bodegas Hidalgo) to smaller, independent producers (Fernando de Castilla and the revered Equipo Navazos) are available at this diminutive, rustic bar (complete with upturned barrels in the courtyard and Tio Pepe barrel-top tables). The range takes in everything from bone-dry fino and briny manzanilla to smooth, glossy oloroso and raisinesque, unctuous Pedro Ximénez. Sherry flights are the savvy way to sample different styles, for around £8. And what is sherry without tapas? The obligatory legs of ham are not just for decoration; along with charcuterie there’s also regional cheese, olives, pickled anchovies and figs coated in dark chocolate. Read more
-
Kensington Wine Rooms
127-129 Kensington Church St, W8 7LP (020 7727 8142/ www.greatwinesbytheglass.com).
Thor Gudmundsson and Richard Okroj’s stylish, delightful wine bar offers about a hundred well-chosen bottles, together with five Enomatic wine machines serving 40 varieties by the glass (they’re proud of the latter, too, as their chosen URL makes abundantly clear). Superior hams hang over the sleek metal bar; burgundy colours and dark wood add warmth to the seating area. Through the arches is a spacious dining room with open brickwork where you can choose from a short menu of mostly Mediterranean dishes, though there’s also the likes of tempura-style fish with skin-on, hand-cut chips and, only at weekends, brunch food such as eggs Benedict. There’s a compatible wine recommendation for each dish on the menu. Check online for details of the regular wine classes. There are often a few tables on the terrace if the weather permits. Read more
-
Vinoteca
7 St John St, EC1M 4AA (020 7253 8786/ www.vinoteca.co.uk).
What are the prime requirements of a great wine bar? Interesting, utterly delicious wines; engaged and passionate staff; affordable pricing; and a wine list that’s comprehensible without having to resort to iPhone apps to decipher it. Vinoteca has all these, and much more, such as a lovely basement room you can hire for events, which is also used by the Tim Atkin Wine School. On the airy ground floor – a cosy, laid-back spot – the kitchen is also very much part of the appeal; daily-changing dishes vary from well-sourced assemblages (Spanish charcuterie and cheese) to more ambitious technical exercises. Owners Brett Woonton and Charlie Young met while working for Italian specialists Liberty Wines; their background explains the scope of the 250-bottle list, which holds both top names and younger producers (all wines are available to take home at retail price). Each dish has a suggested wine pairing: with a weekly-changing selection of 25 wines by the glass, it’s possible to sample some lesser-known varieties. There are four pavement tables, too. Read more
AdvertisementMap | Hotel bars | Spirits & cocktails | Real ale & good beer | Historic pubs | Wow factor | Gastropubs | Wine bars
-
More ways to enjoy Time Out
-
Weekly London newsletter
The best of London in your inbox
-
Time Out Widgets
|
|
1 comment
q