Bars & Pubs

Although the hedonists of EC1 might instinctively head for the area around Smithfield Market, Vivat Bacchus - on the 'wrong' side of Farringdon Street - knocks nearly all of those joints into a cocked hat. Many people will come here for the acclaimed Modern European grub, which is served on the ground floor; vinophiles tend to nip up the stairs into a spacious, airy wine bar, where they can sniff and swill their way through an incredibly well-stocked cellar. If you peer in from the street and are put off by the faux-industrial chic, with a ceiling full of pipes and vents that may well be totally cosmetic, be reassured: this is as down-to-earth as modern wine bars get, with staff falling over themselves to assist and advise you. All the by-the-glass selections can be tasted before you buy, not that you're likely to be disappointed (the Jordan Stellenbosch should be administered by force to anyone who sneers at chardonnay), and the quality is consistently, fantastically high.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9