A Curated Roundup of our Favourite London Wine Bars
By Holly Armstrong
15 October
There’s a chill in the air and a carpet of leaves underfoot. Autumn has well and truly arrived, which means a return to the comforting grooves of our well-worn seasonal rituals. For us, this means retiring our Friday night spritz for a heady glass of Pinot Noir, accompanied by a ramekin of nocellara olives and St John sourdough. London is replete with cosy spots to try a glass of something new, but we’ve compiled a list of our favourites, each one with its own distinct allure.
Dan’s, Dalston
Opened in 2022 by the team behind wine supplier Parched, Dan’s has quickly become a local institution. Just a two-minute stroll from Dalston Junction, this understated setting exerts an easy charm – its steady buzz of customers a testament to the considered menu and the homely, retro interior that envelopes you the moment you step inside. Their by-the-glass selection shifts regularly, showcasing a range of natural wines from small, independent producers, each one thoughtfully complementing the small plate offerings on their menu. And if you’re unsure, the well-versed staff at Dan’s are happy to guide you through their list. A DMY-approved date night destination for the colder months.
Bar Levan, Peckham
For connoisseurs of organic and biodynamic bottles, Bar Levan deserves a place on your list. This Peckham favourite is sure to impress even the most discerning guests in your party, with a modernist menu of small plates, like their stracciatella pasta and nduja toast, served to the soundtrack of a vintage sound system that plays vinyl classics late into the night. While Bar Levan takes reservations, walk-ins are warmly welcomed – ideal for those spontaneous catch-ups over a glass of skin-contact wine. And if you see the Basque cheesecake on the menu, don’t think twice. You’ll thank us later.
Bar Crispin, Soho
Conveniently situated along the lively thoroughfare of Kingly Street, Bar Crispin is a stylish wine bar whose European-inspired sharing plates are just as much of a draw as the array of natural wines on its menu. Take a seat at one of their street-side tables – perfect for people-watching – or if you’d prefer to be away from the throng, its dimly-lit, cosy interior provides the perfect atmosphere for an elevated nightcap. Their house wine list also includes a concise yet well-chosen selection of white, red and orange wine served on tap – a more sustainable alternative to the bottle, and Crispin is also quietly leading the way when it comes to non-alcoholic wines that come remarkably close to the real thing. Other highlights include their lineup of dessert wines and standout crab linguine.
Akub, Notting Hill
Though technically a restaurant, the breadth and diversity of the wine list at this West London establishment more than earns it a place on our list. Akub is leading the wave of growing appreciation for Palestinian wine, with over 80% of its menu sourced from the region. Chef Fadi Kattan’s approach to food is inspired by his passion for championing the local foragers, gardeners, farmers and cooks who have shaped the culinary heritage of the country. The restaurant’s interiors offer an effortless simplicity, with wooden beams and white brick walls imbuing the space with a warm farmhouse feel. A sweet retreat for a chilled glass of red with a friend, whether you’re staying for dinner or simply passing through.
The Dreamery, Islington
Tucked away in Islington’s backstreets, you’ll find this pastel blue slice of paradise, serving just two things: ice cream and wine. Dreamed up by the minds behind Goodbye Horses, The Dreamery opened in December 2024 and has been drawing curious crowds ever since. Every bottle on their list comes from an independent producer, each chosen specifically to pair well with ice cream. Set within a repurposed 19th-century building, this spell-bound space, with its whimsical painted ceiling and retro stainless-steel counter, feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film. The Dreamery is walk-in only, and if you do manage to secure a table at this hotspot, consider yourself lucky.
Bottle + Rye, Brixton
If you find yourself wandering through the bustling bazaar of Brixton Village, you’d be remiss not to make a stop at this Parisian-inspired bistro on Market Row. From the moment you enter, it’s not hard to see the French influence, with the striking green marbled bar, art-deco tiled flooring and high bar stools. Bottle + Rye’s rotating roster of chef residencies allows for a unique experience with every visit, complemented by their ever-evolving wine list, which champions natural, minimal intervention bottles from across Europe. Should you prefer something for the road, they also offer bottles to take away. And for the non-wine drinkers in your party, their inventive concoctions of cocktails are well worth sampling, most notably their aged negroni isn’t one to be missed.