The guide
The best wine bars in London
Low-intervention lists, by-the-glass boards that change weekly and kitchens that take snacks seriously. These are the London wine bars we send people to — sorted by neighbourhood.
Best for natural wine
Hackney & Dalston
Best for small plates
Borough & Bermondsey
Best for dates
Soho & Marylebone
Best by the glass
Clerkenwell & Islington
How London's wine bars changed
A decade ago a London wine bar meant a burgundy carpet and a Rioja list. Now the good ones are small, loud, and run by people who import directly — a chalkboard of ten glasses, half of them from growers you've never heard of, and a kitchen doing three things very well.
The split worth knowing: natural-leaning bars in the east and south, classic and cellar-driven lists in the centre and west. Both are covered below.
Our pick of London's wine bars
We're updating this list — check back soon.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between natural and conventional wine?
Natural wine is made with minimal intervention — wild yeasts, little or no added sulphites, no fining or filtering. It tends to taste fresher and funkier. Most London wine bars now pour both.
Do London wine bars take bookings?
Many of the best ones are walk-in only and fill from 6.30pm. Go early, go on a weeknight, or book where you can — each bar's page links straight to its booking page.
How much is a glass of wine in London?
£8–£12 is typical for a good by-the-glass pour, rising to £15+ in Mayfair and hotel bars. Bottles usually start around £35.
Build a wine crawl
Three bars, one neighbourhood, one route. Save your picks and open them in Google Maps.