Bars & Pubs

Vinoteca is much more than a ‘wine bar’. Yes, you can come in and savour one of the 15 or so wines by the glass, but you can also buy a bottle or a case from the excellent 250-plus wine list, or treat yourself to excellent Iberian and Moorish-inflected cooking from the daily-changing menu. There were many flavours in our roast spatchcock of marinated quail, merguez sausage, herb fregola and harissa dressing, but they were perfectly judged. ‘Perfectly judged’ could also describe the wine list, which lists top producers from established and up-and-coming regions of Europe (mainly France, Spain, Portugal and Italy) and the New World (especially Australia, New Zealand and South America). By-the-glass offerings might include an unusual white from Spain’s Valdeorras region, made by the dynamic young Telmo Rodriguez from the rarely seen godello grape, or an impressively structured yet fruity Kiwi pinot noir from the Delta Vineyards in Marlborough. Vinoteca is constantly busy, but it has a distinctly laid-back vibe, thanks to friendly, knowledgeable staff and the low-key, rustic interior. It hosts a regular wine school taught by Tim Atkin MW, plus several other wine-related events in the downstairs private room. In all, it is a haven for in-the-know wine-lovers.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009