Four London Wine Spots in 48 Hours

London is a fantastic city to visit for many reasons, including its long history, beautiful architecture, and excellent shopping. On my most recent trip I discovered that is also has a bustling wine scene that deserves wine lovers’ attention. This is no secret: the British have been serious wine lovers for centuries! But when most people think of a wine trip, their thoughts go to wine countries like France, Spain, and Italy. While I love that style of wine travel, too, I highly recommend exploring big cities like London, New York City, and Washington, D.C. for access to a wide range of wine styles at countless wine bars.

Of London’s wine bar selection, these are the four that I recommend. Given their central locations, you can quickly and easily swing by for a glass of wine at lunchtime or into the evening.

Day 1

Lunch: Noble Rot

Noble Rot has three restaurants all located within Central London. They are in Soho, Lamb’s Conduit, and Mayfair. On this trip, I visited the Soho location after a morning of shopping for Christmas gifts at Liberty London and Hamleys.

While I’m sure Noble Rot is a great time in the evening, I recommend stopping by for lunch. Their lunch special can’t be beat: two course for £22 or three courses for £26. Wine is extra, but with a deal like that, you can get a few glasses! On my visit, the lunch special was a trout starter and chicken entrée. Both were delicious and paired perfectly with a couple of glasses of Champagne. The day’s dessert was an apple tart. I suggest making reservations even for lunch—it fills up fast at opening!

Night 1

Dinner: Andrew Edmunds

Just a few blocks from the hectic Oxford and Regent Streets, Andrew Edmunds declares itself one of the last bastions of “Old Soho.” Unfortunately I didn’t know Old Soho, but I agree that stepping into Andrew Edmunds feels like a journey back in time. Situated in an 18th century townhouse, Andrew Edmunds is everything I love about London: warm and comfortable yet sophisticated. Plus, they feature a reasonably priced wine list!

After a very rainy walk through Soho, I sat down to a chilled glass of Champagne and warm bowl of cauliflower soup to start. I then transitioned to braised lamb and Corbières, a red wine from the Languedoc region of France. I knew I’d love their wine list the moment I saw a candle in an empty bottle of my favorite value Bordeaux. Note that their food menu changes daily. At time of writing, I’m drooling over the smoked mackerel and confit duck dishes on their January 12 menu.

If you visit Andrew Edmunds around the holidays, Carnaby Street is a must-do for its holiday light display. It is an easy walk from the restaurant, even in the rain.

Cauliflower soup and Champagne at Andrew Edmunds

Corbières wine and braised lamb at Andrew Edmunds

Day 2

Lunch: The 10 Cases

The 10 Cases is a bistro and wine bar located near Neal’s Yard, a small alley that is very popular with photographers. (Side note: I expected Neal’s Yard to be swarming with influencers and tourists, but it was very quiet when I visited! Perhaps it was the time of year or the difficulty of finding the inconspicuous entrances.)

Both dining settings open at midday, but my recommendation for lunch is the walk-in-friendly cave à vin or wine bar. Casual and relaxed, the wine bar side of the house is delightful for an afternoon snack and glass of wine. You can also order from the bistro menu. Having just had lunch, I noshed on a helping of Comté cheese with fresh bread, French butter, and Champagne. I also noticed fellow diners enjoying steak frites that looked incredible! I might try that next time.

While you’re in the area, Seven Dials Market is worth a visit, too. This food hall has options for everyone, including a cheese conveyor belt!

Night 2

Dinner: Lady of the Grapes

I can’t think of a better place to end a trip to London than Lady of the Grapes. Located just feet from Covent Garden, this cozy wine spot feels like a piece of Paris. Their wine list features organic, biodynamic, and natural wines mainly produced by female winemakers. (Hence the name!)

The area around Covent Garden sparkles with life at night, especially around the holidays. Lady of the Grapes feels like an oasis from the crowds and lights. Inside you’ll find a romantic ambiance; the space is filled with clinking wine glasses and flickering candles. Here I enjoyed the decadent foie gras and duck breast pithivier with plum puree and meat jus alongside a glass of Côtes du Rhône. A perfect choice on a cold night in London!