THREE OTHER WINE BAR RESTAURANTS
TERROIRS
This relative newcomer has swiftly become a big favourite with critics and punters alike – with small but perfectly formed French plates, you can expect the likes of snails and pork and pistachio terrine, to be eaten with something off the 200-bin wine list. It’s buzzing with people who want in on the gastronomic wine bar format, so be sure to book. 5 William IV Street, WC2N 4DW. Tel: 020 7036 0660
CELLAR GASCON
This sleek relation of Club Gascon is a tapas bar that focuses on south-west French wines, with choice specimens from the Gallic larder. Plenty of pork, along with foie gras carpaccio and lamb shank with pumpkin puree will make you eager to return for the bewitching combination of chef Pascal Aussingnac’s food and the great wine list. 57-59 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DS, 020 7600 7561
ST PANCRAS CHAMPAGNE BAR
The champagne bar famous for being the longest in Europe is more loveable for its setting than its length. And with 70 bins of Champagne, from a £40 bottle to one that costs £2,700 (a 1949 Krug), this is not a bad place to sip some fizz. Food to accompany is open sandwiches, truffled mushrooms on toast and smoked haddock fishcakes. St Pancras Internatonal, Pancras Road NW1 2QP, tel: 020 7843 4250