So, you’re thinking of hitting up a wine bar in London? Brilliant idea! Whether you’re a wine newbie or already know your Sauvignon from your Shiraz, don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Let me guess, you’re worried you’ll walk in, mispronounce “Pinot Grigio,” and end up with something that tastes like vinegar? (Spoiler: I’ve been there.) But trust me, there’s no need to stress. London’s wine bars cater to everyone—from the budget-conscious sipper to the full-on wine snob (yes, they’re out there). And guess what? You’re going to nail this.
Let’s break it down and find the perfect wine bar for you, no matter how much (or how little) you want to spend. And don’t worry, we’ll keep it light, fun, and a little cheeky—because who said wine had to be taken too seriously?
If you love a bit of tapas with your tipple (and who doesn’t?), Barrafina is a top shout. It’s the kind of place where you can rock up, order a few plates of delicious Spanish tapas, and sip on some seriously good wine without needing to know your Merlot from your Malbec. The vibe is lively and fun—think of it as the opposite of those stuffy wine places where you feel like you need a degree to understand the menu. The best part? A glass of wine here won’t break the bank. You can get something decent for under £10, which means more cash for tapas (priorities).
Budget: £7-£10 per glass
Best for: Tasty wine without the pretension (and tapas, obviously)
The name says it all. Humble Grape is like that mate who’s really into saving the planet but doesn’t make you feel bad about using plastic straws. The vibe here is relaxed, the staff are friendly (not the type to judge your pronunciation), and the wine list is packed with sustainable, organic options. If you’re new to wine and don’t want to feel overwhelmed, this is the perfect place to start. The prices are reasonable too, with glasses starting from £7. Plus, you’ll leave feeling a little bit smug knowing you’ve supported a sustainable business. (Gold star for you!)
Budget: £7-£12 per glass
Best for: Chilled evenings with a side of sustainability
Now, if you haven’t heard of Gordon’s Wine Bar, where have you been hiding? This place is an absolute institution in London. It’s been around since 1890 (yep, you read that right), and it’s still going strong. Think candlelit caverns, creaky old furniture, and an atmosphere so cosy you’ll want to stay all night. Oh, and did I mention it’s cheap? Like, London-cheap, which means glasses start at around £5. (In central London. I know.) It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like you’re sipping wine in a secret underground hideout.
Budget: £5-£7 per glass
Best for: A history lesson with a side of wine (and killer prices)
Vinoteca has you sorted. This is the place to go if you want to pair your wine with some seriously good food (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?). They’ve got a great menu, with something to please everyone, and the wine list is broad enough to keep even the fussiest of wine drinkers happy. Prices are totally reasonable too, so you won’t feel guilty ordering another glass. (Or bottle. No judgement here.)
Budget: £6-£10 per glass
Best for: Wine and food pairing without blowing your entire paycheck
If you’re into places with trendy exposed brick, moody lighting, and a wine list that feels like a bit of an adventure, Sager + Wilde is your spot. It’s the type of bar where you could totally get away with saying things like, “I’m getting hints of leather,” and not feel like a fraud. (Though no one will judge if you’re more “I’m getting hints of… red wine.”) They specialise in small, independent wine producers, so you’ll likely try something new and exciting. And the best part? It doesn’t cost the earth.
Budget: £7-£15 per glass
Best for: Impressing your date with your trendy wine knowledge (or pretending you have any)
Right, let’s get fancy for a second. Noble Rot is for when you’re feeling a bit posh and want to treat yourself (because, honestly, sometimes you deserve it). This place is swanky but not snooty, with a wine list that’s the stuff of dreams. They’ve got everything from affordable options to the kind of wine you’d save for your wedding day (or a particularly stressful Monday). The food is amazing too, so it’s perfect for a special night out. Just maybe check your bank balance before you go too wild.
Budget: £8-£20 per glass
Best for: Feeling fancy without the side of judgement
Alright, if you’re after something really special, 67 Pall Mall is the place to be. It’s a private members’ club, so you can’t just waltz in off the street (unless you’re a member, in which case—fancy!), but non-members can book wine tastings. And let me tell you, these tastings are top-notch. You’ll get to try some seriously exclusive wines, and the setting is as luxurious as it gets. It’s one of those places you’ll want to Instagram (but maybe in a subtle, “I totally belong here” kind of way).
Budget: £20+ per glass (or book a tasting if you’re not a member)
Best for: A splurge-worthy experience that’ll make you feel like royalty
Tucked away in Fitzrovia, The Remedy is like that secret spot only the locals know about. It’s small, cosy, and specialises in natural, biodynamic wines (don’t worry if you’re not entirely sure what that means—just know it’s delicious). The vibe here is laid-back, and the staff are super friendly, so it’s a great spot to ask for recommendations without feeling like you need to know your stuff. Plus, with glasses starting around £6, it’s perfect for those of us who don’t want to spend a fortune on a good drink.
Budget: £6-£9 per glass
Best for: A chilled evening and discovering natural wines (without the hipster pretence)
If you’ve got a soft spot for French wines (or just really want to feel like you’re on holiday in Paris), Terroirs is the place to be. Located near Trafalgar Square, this bar has a seriously impressive selection of organic and biodynamic wines, mostly from France. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed—perfect for when you want to enjoy some top-notch wine without feeling like you need to wear a monocle. And don’t even get me started on the food. Order some charcuterie, and you’ll be in French heaven.
Budget: £7-£12 per glass
Best for: Feeling très chic without leaving London
This one’s for when you’re in the mood to treat yourself a bit. Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels (try saying that after a few glasses) is a swanky little spot in Covent Garden, perfect for a fancier night out. They’ve got an impressive wine list, and you can even do wine flights if you fancy trying a few different options. The staff are really knowledgeable and will guide you through the menu, so you won’t feel lost. And the best part? They have some pretty epic snacks to go with your wine—think cheese, charcuterie, and oysters. Fancy, but not too fancy, you know?
Budget: £9-£18 per glass
Best for: Wine flights and a night of low-key indulgence
Still with me? Fantastic! You’re clearly as committed to finding the perfect glass of wine as I am (or maybe just dreaming of it). Before you hit the town and swirl, sniff, and sip your way through London’s best wine bars, let me share a few handy tips to make your wine bar hopping adventure a smashing success. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Now that you’ve got a list of the best wine bars in London, let’s talk strategy. Because, let’s be honest, walking into a wine bar for the first time can feel a bit intimidating (especially if everyone around you looks like they just stepped out of a vineyard). But fear not! You’ve got this. Here’s a quick survival guide to make sure you enjoy the experience (and don’t accidentally order something that tastes like vinegar).
I know, I know—asking questions can feel a bit awkward, but the staff at these bars love wine. They’re basically walking encyclopaedias with corkscrews, and they’re there to help you. Don’t be shy about asking for their advice, whether you want something light and fruity or a glass that’ll knock your socks off. They won’t judge you. In fact, they’ll probably appreciate that you’re interested!
Not sure where to start? That’s fine! If you know you like a certain type of wine—maybe you’re a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc or you had a nice Malbec once—start there. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel on your first trip. From there, you can explore new options, safe in the knowledge that you’ve got something you enjoy in your glass.
Wine tasting is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment (plus, it’s a great excuse to prolong that date or hangout, right?). Don’t feel like you need to rush through each glass. Take your time, swirl it around (because that’s what the pros do), take a sniff, and then sip slowly. (You can even close your eyes if you want to get really dramatic about it.)
If you’re with a group, it’s often cheaper and more fun to share a bottle. You’ll get to taste more, and it’s a great way to bond over new discoveries. Plus, you’ll avoid that awkward moment when everyone’s done with their glass, and you’re still sipping yours. But if you’re in the mood to savour your own glass, go for it!
Look, at the end of the day, wine tasting is supposed to be fun. Don’t take it too seriously. It’s not about being a wine snob or memorising every single grape variety. It’s about enjoying yourself, discovering new flavours, and maybe getting a little tipsy in the process. So, if all else fails, just smile, sip, and say something vague like, “I’m getting hints of oak.” Works every time.
There you have it—the inside scoop on London’s best wine bars, from hidden gems to chic hotspots. No matter what your budget is, there’s a perfect glass waiting for you somewhere in the city. So, whether you’re celebrating something special or just need a midweek wine break, you’re covered.
If you’re craving a beautiful backdrop to go with that glass, take a look at London’s most scenic rooftop wine bars. For a fancier outing, our luxurious wine tasting guide has some swanky options too. And if you’re feeling like a cosy night in, try hosting your own with our wine and food tasting at home guide!
Here’s to finding your new go-to wine spot without spending a fortune—cheers!
