London is a city that offers a variety of culinary and cultural experiences, but for wine lovers, nothing beats a glass of Bordeaux. The region in southwest France is famous for producing some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world, with a history that dates back to the Roman times. Whether you are looking for a casual drink or a special occasion, here are some of the best places in London to drink top-tier Bordeaux wines.
Le Relais De Venise: A Taste of Paris in London
If you want to feel like you are in Paris, head to Le Relais De Venise, a restaurant that replicates its original counterpart in the French capital. The menu is simple: steak frites with a secret sauce, salad, cheese and dessert. But the wine list is impressive, featuring a selection of Bordeaux wines from different vintages and appellations. You can enjoy a bottle of Château de Fieuzal, Pessac-Léognan 2000 for £105 or a Château La Conseillante, Pomerol 2001 for £280. The restaurant is located in Marylebone Lane, a charming street that adds to the Parisian atmosphere.
Darwin Brasserie: A Sky-High View of London
For a stunning view of London’s skyline, head to Darwin Brasserie, a restaurant on the 36th floor of the Sky Garden. The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden, with lush greenery, landscaped gardens, observation decks and an open-air terrace. You can admire the panoramic view of the city while enjoying a modern British menu that features dishes such as roast chicken, fish and chips, and apple crumble. The wine list includes a range of Bordeaux wines, such as Château Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan 2012 for £120 or Château Léoville Barton, St-Julien 2000 for £219. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can also book a table for afternoon tea.
Noble Rot Wine Bar: A Cool and Casual Spot for Wine Lovers
If you are looking for a more relaxed and affordable place to drink Bordeaux wines, check out Noble Rot Wine Bar, a trendy spot in Bloomsbury that was recently voted number 28 in the National Restaurant Awards. The wine bar offers a selection of more than 50 Bordeaux wines, ranging from £35 for a Château Beynat, Castillon 2016 to £795 for a Château Lafite 2009. You can also order small-pour servings of some top Bordeaux wines, such as £37 for 25ml of Château Mouton Rothschild 1995. The food menu is equally enticing, with dishes such as smoked eel sandwich, lamb chops and cheese board.
Vinoteca: A Friendly and Fun Place to Discover New Wines
Vinoteca is a chain of wine bars that has five branches in London: King’s Cross, Soho, Marylebone, City and Chiswick. Each branch has its own personality and vibe, but they all share the same passion for wine. Vinoteca offers a brief but well-priced selection of Bordeaux wines, such as Château Labadie, Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2014 for £36 or Château Guiraud’s G Blanc Sec 2016 for £73 (in magnum). You can also join their wine club or wine shop to get access to more exclusive wines and events. The food menu is inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes such as grilled octopus, pork belly and chocolate cake.
Summer Lodge: A Country House Hotel with an Exceptional Wine List
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of London and enjoy some peace and tranquility in the countryside, you can visit Summer Lodge in Dorset, a luxury country house hotel that has one of the best wine lists in the UK. The wine list is curated by Eric Zwiebel MS, one of the world’s top sommeliers, who has selected over 1,600 wines from around the world. The Bordeaux section is particularly impressive, with gems such as Château Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion 1GCCA 1988 for £705 or Château Margaux 1990 for £1,250. The hotel also offers fine dining, spa treatments and outdoor activities.
