Bars & Pubs

A marvellous anachronism, the Boot & Flogger was until recently the only hostelry in the UK that had the right to sell wine without having a licence, thanks to a charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1567. And there's something wonderfully old-school about the place itself, from its dark wood panelling, little nooks and deep leather button-back wing chairs, to the pin-stripe suited gent behind the bar. It's part of the venerable wine bar chain set up by the Davy family, which has been trading in wine since 1870. The Boot first opened in 1964 and has the feel of a gentlemen's club, but without the stuffiness. This is a place for settling back, relaxing and enjoying unsurprisingly top-notch wine, ports and champagnes. Service is charming and solicitous, and food also deserves a mention: reasonably priced and served until 7pm. Options run from olives (with cloves of garlic, £1.50) to solid English fare such as potted shrimps, ham sandwiches or steak and chips. But what of the name? The boot and flogger was a corking device comprised of a leather 'boot' that the bottle was placed in, with a wooden 'flogger' - a piece of flat wood - which was used to 'flog' the cork into the bottle.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9