Best Wine Bars

London's wine bar scene has improved dramatically over the past decade — a shift driven partly by the natural wine movement and partly by a generation of sommeliers leaving fine-dining restaurants to open smaller, more personal spots. The result is a genuinely interesting range of options across the city.

Natural Wine

Natural wine (low-intervention, minimal sulphites, often from small producers) dominates East London's bar scene, particularly around Hackney and Bermondsey. These spots tend to pair wine with simple plates of charcuterie, cheese or small dishes — more casual than a restaurant but better food than a pub.

Classic Wine Bars

Soho and Mayfair have more European-style wine bars — proper lists across multiple regions, knowledgeable staff, and a slightly more formal atmosphere. Some of London's oldest wine bars (dating back to the 1970s wine bar boom) survive in these areas with their original character intact.

Bermondsey Wine Scene

Several wine importers along Bermondsey's railway arches open as informal wine bars at weekends, pouring wines from their own import lists at near-trade prices. Less polished than a proper wine bar but genuinely excellent value if you know what you're doing.

Tips

• Natural wine bars in Hackney and Bermondsey are the most interesting destination for wine exploration.
• Bermondsey importer bars at weekends are genuinely good value — research beforehand which ones are open.
• Many of the best spots don't take reservations for bar seating — arrive early or accept a wait.