A Bubbly Lover’s Guide to the Best Wine Bars in London

Whether you are in London after a successful day’s work, catching up with friends, or hitting the city for an event, show or party, one thing London is never short of is wine bars.

Gathering around the train stations, supporting Bank’s army of finance workers, and serving everyone haunting the tourist traps, you can grab some fizz anywhere, but where are the best rated places for that extra-special service or vibe? Do note that these popular gin palaces are often busy, so booking is advised if you want a table.

Make Your London Nights Go With A Fizz

Starting off in the West End, a great catch-all location for visitors, Soho is home to Firebird, a great place to grab a glass and stay for the open-fire restaurant. Enjoy scallops or Mediterranean snacks along with a great range of independent bubbly, wines and beverages, from a cheeky Col Tamarie Pet Nat to a bottle of Champagne Olivier Horiot Brut Nature.

If you like the idea of Firebird but find yourself in Shoreditch, Firebird has a sister venue in the Noisy Oyster, another great destination for seafood and coastal wines if your destination is Brick Lane and the amazing markets.

Back in Soho, Ducksoup is a great meeting spot that champions natural and biodynamic wines for those of a discerning sip, with an ever-changing wine list, presenting new discoveries to claim for yourself.
Ducksoup provides a laid-back atmosphere with candlelight and cozy furnishings. That makes it perfect for casual evenings that still feel special. With staff on hand to take you through a sparkling journey through the wine list as you stay for the gorgeous slow-cooked lamb.

Drink and Read More Than the Label at Plume

Covent Garden’s restaurants offer a broad range of fine dining, and for a great pre- or post- meal drink, For truly stylish, head to Plume Wine Bar for a curated selection of bubbly and wine in a space that is a feast for the eyes.

Run by a wine importer, Plume offers some amazing cheese platters and sharing plates to go with your drink from a selection of 70 fine wines from the English Henners Brut to an Argentinian De RoucheBouet.

And if you fancy a Champagne cocktail, you have to try the Lobby Bar at One Aldwych with its Courvoisier VSOP cognac, Angostura bitters, brown sugar, Champagne tipple for a warming start to an autumn or winter exploration of the capital.

Travel by Flute

If you’ve landed in the city at Piccadilly, you can get your party started by heading straight to Hawksmoor Air Street offering modern British culinary delights with an adventurous wine and cocktail menu.

Award-winning bartenders craft standout drinks like the “fat washed old fashioned,” while the wine list complements everything from dry-aged beef to fresh Brixham fish. It’s a must-visit for those who want their wine with a side of grandeur.

And for those arriving at St. Pancras, you have to try Europe’s longest bar at Searcy’s Champagne Bar. Running for over 90 meters, there’s plenty of space to grab a Champagne, including top of the bill Charles Heidsieck, Blanc de Blancs Brut from the impressive menu.

With equally impressive food at the adjoining brasserie, celebrating a new Christmas menu, you can enjoy the views of the architecture around the station before setting off or heading home. Searcys also has locations at Westminster and Battersea if you’re in those parts of town.

Whether you’re chasing a quick prosecco or the finest Champagnes, to bold reds or crisp coastal whites, for fun, a party or simply to unwind, London’s best wine bars offer something for every palate and mood. Wherever you are, there’s always a good bar just around the corner and these venues prove that wine in London is more than a beverage—it’s an experience, you just need to bring the company.