Best Wine Bars London

When you think of wine bars, places where people gather to taste wine in a relaxed, thoughtful way, often with small plates and curated selections. Also known as wine lounges, they’re not just about drinking—they’re about slowing down, talking, and discovering new flavors. In London, these spots aren’t just trendy add-ons to the nightlife—they’re where the city’s real character comes out after dark. Forget the crowded clubs and overpriced cocktails. The best wine bars in London offer something quieter, deeper, and more personal.

What makes a wine bar stand out here? It’s not just the label on the bottle. It’s the person pouring it—the sommelier who remembers your name and the last red you liked. It’s the small plates that match the wine, not just snack food thrown together. It’s the lighting, the music, the way the room feels when you walk in. Some are tucked under railway arches in Peckham. Others sit atop buildings in Shoreditch, with the whole city spread out below you. You’ll find old-school Italian cellars in Soho, modern Nordic-inspired spots in Camden, and French bistros with walls lined with bottles from Burgundy to the Rhône. These aren’t tourist traps. They’re places where locals come to unwind after work, celebrate small wins, or just sit with a glass and think.

London’s wine scene doesn’t care about big brands. It cares about stories. A bottle from a tiny vineyard in Slovenia. A natural wine made with zero additives. A glass of sparkling from a family-run vineyard in Sussex. You’ll find these in the best wine bars in London—not because they’re trendy, but because someone took the time to find them. And you’ll taste the difference. The city’s top wine bars also know how to pair. A sharp cheddar with a bold Nebbiolo. A charcuterie board that balances salt, fat, and spice with a crisp white. It’s not about showing off. It’s about making each sip feel intentional.

And then there’s the vibe. Some wine bars are loud and lively, buzzing with conversation and clinking glasses. Others are dim, quiet, and perfect for a date or a solo night with a book. You’ll find places where you can sit at the bar and chat with the owner, or corners tucked away where no one bothers you. The best ones don’t need a sign. You just know when you’re there.

Below, you’ll find a collection of posts that dive into the real wine bars of London—the ones locals swear by, the ones with the best views, the ones that feel like home. Whether you’re after a rooftop terrace with sunset over the Thames, a hidden cellar under a pub, or a place that serves wine by the glass from 10 countries, you’ll find it here. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just real spots where wine isn’t an afterthought—it’s the whole point.