Bars & Pubs

If you fancy a trip to southern France without leaving London, head to Smithfields and settle into a table at Cellar Gascon, the attractive wine-focused annex to the celebrated Club Gascon . The leather banquettes of the popular bar are regularly packed with suited men and elegantly dressed women from nearby offices. Refreshingly free of pinot grigio and Aussie chardonnay, the expertly chosen wine list centres on France’s south-west, a diverse region with some weird and wonderful grape varieties, including loin de l’oeil and tannat. As these wines are often ignored by UK wholesalers, the Gascon group imports nearly half of its cellar directly from small producers, and employs helpful and well-informed staff to assist in navigating the list. From fresh sharp whites to structured dark reds, you’ll find something to work with the rich food that fills the menu. Tempting plates of charcuterie, including some fine Gascon black ham carved to order from a leg in front of you at the bar, proves very popular with the after-work crowd.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009