The best wine bars in London

What is it? Parisian-style wine bar that spills onto Lower Marsh. My go-to if I’m passing through Waterloo.

Why we love it: Every time I go to Lower, I have a fabulous time. Many London wine bars seek to mirror the careful balance struck by a true Parisian wine bar, that of seriously good wine and a laissez-faire attitude. Lower actually achieves it. There’s a properly good by-the-glass list, and a bottle list that feels expansive without feeling overwhelming. Drink alongside a fabby wee menu and buy a bottle to take away. Lower, although I’m sure it would be a welcome addition to pretty much any other London borough, also fits the previously tricky bill of finding somewhere fun to drink near Waterloo that isn’t a cocktail bar or a mid pub. 

Time Out tip: Go early to avoid disappointment!

Address: 19 Lower Marsh, Waterloo, SE1 7RJ.

Opening hours: Sun-Mon closed, Tue-Thu 5-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 3-10.30pm.

What is it? Notting Hill restaurant serving Palestinian food and wine.

Why we love it: Akub is chef Fadi Kattan’s Palestinian restaurant. His first in London, and second overall, counting Fawda in the West Bank. It’s not a wine bar, it’s a wonderful restaurant set over three floors in residential Notting Hill. Food, served for lunch, dinner and brunch is exquisite, but I’m here to focus on the wines. Their list is headed up ‘Terroirs of Palestine’, featuring bottles imported directly by Akub’s new import business. Current must-drinks on the menu include: Nadim Rosé from Taybeh Winery and the Jascala Sauvignon Blanc. The small bar is the best place to enjoy them (and apparently Fadi’s favourite place to sit).

Time Out tip: Ask sommelier Anna Patrowicz to guide you through the stories behind her wonderful list (if she’s working). Get one of everything on the menu.

Address: 27 Uxbridge Street, Notting Hill, W8 7TQ.

Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue-Thu 12-3pm & 6-11pm, Fri 12-3pm & 6-11.30pm, Sat 11am-3pm & 6-11.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm.  

What is it? A breezy Essex Road wine bar and restaurant with pub bones.

Time Out tip: They often have ‘Tap Takeovers’ with different guest brewers and producers.

Address: 382 Essex Road, Islington, N1 3PF.

Opening hours: Mon-Tue closed, Wed 5-11pm, Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri 5pm-12.30am, Sat 3pm-12.30am, Sun 3-10pm.

What is it? My favourite place to eat and drink in Borough Market. 

Why we love it: Eurgghhhh fine. I quite like the fact that I can still nearly always get a last-minute early or late table at Camille, the best place to eat and drink wine in Borough Market (although I wouldn’t count it as part of the conglom). But here we go. This is hands down one of my favourite places to go at the moment. Head chef Elliot Hashtroudi conjures a vision of rural France that’s accessible and delicious. It’d laid back but still serious. Their menu is obviously predominantly French, and you’re just as welcome to get a glass outside as you are to share a bottle over dinner.

What is it? A fresh South Tottenham wine bar opened by wine industry legends.

What is it? A true neighbourhood wine bar serving Camberwell.

Why we love it: Veraison opened in 2022, and has been doggedly supporting the Camberwell locals with a fabulous selection of wines ever since. Opened by Bubbledogs and 10 Cases alum Patrycja Lorek, you’re just as likely to find an effervescent pét-nat here as you are a fine Italian vintage. It’s a proper library of wine, with stunning dark wood interiors that contrast with a striking neon sign, depicting a purple bunch of grapes on the vine that illuminates the front as a beacon to local wine lovers.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out on their Instagram feed for upcoming pop ups. See: kimchi toasties. 

Address: 78 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8QZ.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 12-10.30pm, Sun 12-7.30pm.

What is it? A modern American-influenced bistro on Lexington Street.

Why we love it: This bistro brand, co-owned by Missy Flynn and Gabriel Pryce, has been around for night on a decade, with the Soho branch opening in 2021, so I think I’m due a slap on the wrist for only just having been recently. I came with lots of questions but left with only one ‘why on earth didn’t I go sooner?’ The drinks list is as innovative as you might expect, considering Missy’s drinks consultancy Malik Acid, which she runs with her brother Cameron, previously of The Standard. There’s a mini martini, plenty of tequila-based cocktails, and several speciality vermouths. Enjoy in the garden, if you can snag a space.

Time Out tip: Sometimes they have a couple of things on by the glass that aren’t on the menu, so be sure to ask.

Address: 49 Lexington Street, Soho, W1F 9AP.

Opening hours: Mon-Tue 5.30pm-midnight, Wed-Sat 12-3pm & 5.30pm-midnight. 

What is it? A very good wine bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Why we love it: York Way isn’t one of those areas that’s become overrun with much-of-a-muchness wine bars over the past few years. In this sense, Half Cut is a bit of a mission - it’s a bus or decent walk away from the nearest tube stations. But, goodness, once you’re there, you’re there. Strapped in, let their brilliant and sweet staff sort you out with a glass of wine, and maybe even get the vape shop next door to set you up with a shisha (they’ve got a cute neighbourly agreement going on). Holly Willcocks, head of wine has made a fabulously approachable list and chef Aidan Richardson is cooking his socks off in the kitchen right now.

Time Out tip: There should always be a skewer on, so order that. And ask if they have the wine list for their Cutlets (the self-appointed name of their devotees).

Address: 396 York Way, N7 9LW.

Opening hours: Sun-Mon closed, Tue-Thu 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 4-11pm.

What is it? Bright and glam Highbury restaurant and bar with every box ticked.

Why we love it: From the team who brought you Fink’s (a chic coffee shop chain you can find dotted around north London), Saltine is their first move into restaurants. The space itself is bright and airy - why don’t more restaurants have residential-style skylights? And the wine list is pleasingly not-like-every-other-one in London. Owner Mat Appleton has a penchant for English wines and pink pét-nat. It’s grown-up, sure, but it’s also cute and campy. And if even that’s not enough for you, keep your eyes peeled for the Fink’s Pump House in Clissold Park.

Time Out tip: In the daytime, you can get pastries from Finks at the bar.

Address: 11 Highbury Park, Highbury, N5 1QJ.

Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue-Fri 5-11pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-9.30pm.

What is it? Iconic east London restaurant next to Shoreditch Town Hall.

Why we love it: Ok, you don’t exactly need a listicle for me to tell you that The Clove Club is good. If it’s a special occasion, splash out for their lunch and dinner while spying on the ceremonies at Shoreditch Town Hall. Their full-menu pairing is imaginative, spanning the natural, classic and totally non-alcoholic (you’ll never look at tea in the same way again). If you want to experience the glamour without the full meal, their bar and lounge offers snacky bits with their wine list available, and a decent selection by the glass. Yet another good excuse to dress up.

Time Out tip: Ask about their tea selection and be prepared to rethink it’s pairing capabilities.

Address: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT.

Opening hours: Mon-Tue 6.30-11pm, Wed-Sat 12-4.30pm & 6.30-11pm.

What is it? An Islington pub that wears the brilliance of its wine list endearingly lightly.

Why we love it: The Drapers is a pub in its bones. Wooden floorboards, a charming pub garden, a function room upstairs. But everything else: the generous menu, the kind and knowledgeable owner and the wine list (my goodness the wine list) puts it in a category of its own. It’s also one of the pubs where you can genuinely ask your waiter for wine recommendations and they’ll have something to suggest to you. Brilliant, beautiful place.

Time Out tip: There’s no bad time to go to The Drapers Arms as there’s always something fascinating ot be found. Keep an eye on what they’ve got on their Star Wine List.

Address: 44 Barnsbury Street, Islington, N1 1ER.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10.30pm.

What is it? Stunning restaurant with an ambitious own-label offering.

Why we love it: I have to admit that I didn’t go to Sessions Arts Club during the initial hype. When its high ceilings and peeling paintwork seemed to be awash over everyone’s Instagram grid, where you couldn’t move for pics of tangerines full of sorbet. Some four years later, I made my maiden visit, specifically because I’d heard about a new own-label offering. ‘Lost Wines’ is a series of bottlings by head of wine Sophie Liverman. The latest is a Xarel·lo from Can Sumoi, with only 200 bottles available. Get it while it lasts.

What is it? A social media phenomenon of an Islington wine bar (and ice cream parlour).

Why we love it: Goodbye Horses was my bar of the year in 2024. A proper neighborhood vibe which can be difficult to achieve due to, well, neighbours. An unassuming outdoor space, save for the folk sitting in what looks like someone’s front garden enjoying a glass of wine. Indoors, space for walk-ins around a circular table and plenty of space to eat surrounded by folk art tapestries. The list is all-natural, in case you were still wondering.

Time Out tip: Turn up early to get some space at the walk-in table. Otherwise I don’t fancy your chances. 

Address: 21 Halliford Street, Islington, N1 3HB.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 2pm-midnight, Sun 2-11pm.

What is it? A true-blue natty wine bar just off of Carnaby Street.

Why we love it: If I’m with a natural wine enthusiast, yet we’re in central, far flung from the safety and familiarity of east London wine bars, Bar Crispin is the place I take ’em. It’s all emerald green and isosceles triangles inside, conjuring up an 1980s dream, complete with fried prawn sandwiches and vinho verde. The terrace is buzzy with the option to drink - or dine - al fresco.

Time Out tip: Check out their instagram for upcoming events. 

Address: 19 Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5PY.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-11pm, Sat 1-11pm, Sun 1-6pm.

What is it? Vibey wine and small plates from the Legare team.

Why we love it: The first time I went to Shad Thames was to visit Luna. And it will be the reason I visit every time henceforth. Gilded lettering and a pretty tapestry give it away as a considered space off an alley that leads to the river. Named as a nod to the largely biodynamic wine list (biodynamic winemaking pays attention to the lunar cycles, didn’t you know), it’s incredibly cosy and atmospheric despite its 35-person capacity, with most of the covers upstairs. Go here if you want somewhere a little off the beaten track

What is it? The Mayfair outpost of your wine-obsessed friends favourite restaurant group.

Why we love it: An award-winning wine list, storied interiors, fancy food. Considering all this, Noble Rot feels as though it should be a once-in-a-blue-moon-type treat restaurant. And yet, with glasses of Chin Chin at £5 and a lunch menu at £24 for two courses and three for £28 (what you’d likely pay for a main at any other restaurant in the area), it’s become more of a treat than I would care to admit. As I write this, I’m preparing to visit for my birthday. Here’s hoping they’ve got something special on.

Time Out tip: Go for lunch to take advantage of their ridiculously-good-value-for-where-it-is set menu.

Address: 5 Trebeck Street, Shepherd Market, W1J 7LT.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-11pm.

What is it? An Elephant and Castle wine bar that celebrates the underappreciated.

Why we love it: Named after one of the founders of the philosophy of cynicism, Diogenes the Dog is a truly inquisitive spirit. You see, this is a place to really drink off the beaten path – if you seek Champagne, head elsewhere. However, if you’re interested in wine from Canada, Texas, Poland, the Czech Republic or Taiwan, you’re in the right place. 

Time Out tip: They also have an online bottle shop, should you wish to try their wines at home.

Address: 96 Rodney Road, SE17 1BG.

Opening hours: Tue-Wed 5-11pm, Thu-Fri 12-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11-10pm.

What is it? Sexy opening from Ham Group by the water in Notting Hill.

Why we love it: Look, I’m never in Notting Hill. Or, at least, I never used to be. But Canal now represents yet another reason for a wine lover to visit the area. Technically a hotel cafe for Mason & Fifth (although I couldn’t tell when I visited), the bar menu is a collab with Bar With Shapes for a Name and the wine list is an easily approachable few sides of A4.

Time Out tip: If you’re after an outdoor seat, make sure you book the terrace online.

Address: 11b Woodfield Road, W9 2BA.

Opening hours: Daily 12-10pm.

What is it? Itsy bitsy teeny weeny wine bar in residential Dalston.

Why we love it: Taking it back to where it all started for me, Binch was the first place I ever held a wine event. Straight out of lockdown, the tiny 12-seater wine bar and tap room felt like the perfect place to bring a (socially distanced) gaggle of wine lovers together to drink. Years later, it’s still a wonderful place to do just that.

Time Out tip: Their Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations every November are not to be missed.