Green Man & French Horn, St Martin's Lane
The Real Wine Promotion takes place in
March across the UK in around 150 restaurants, bars, gastropubs, retailers and
wholesalers.
Organic, biodynamic and natural low
intervention wines will be listed by the glass or visibly promoted to a
potential audience of thousands of consumers in order to highlight the quality
of well-crafted, artisan products.
Please find listed below are the current participants in the London area – details from Doug Wregg:
'WEST & SOUTH WEST LONDON
The Hampshire Hog, Hammersmith
The Hampshire Hog is a beacon in
Hammersmith, a comfortable pub serving wholesome seasonal, responsibly-sourced
food and has a very good wine list featuring small biodynamic producers.
The Good Wine Shop, Chiswick & Kew
An independent wine merchant with two
shops, one in Chiswick, the other in Kew. No brands, no pretention, friendly
knowledgeable staff and a great selection of value-for-money wines.
Osteria dell Arancio, Kings Road, Chelsea
Osteria is a homage to the same philosophy
of hospitality and simple good food, offering a choice of seasonal and
authentic dishes, with an outstanding wine list and the chance to taste some
really fine wines by the glass.
Red Squirrel Wine, Richmond, Surrey
Brilliantly and imaginatively marketed wine
boxes from this new wine company. Lots of discoveries (wines from Slovenia,
Uruguay) and fun labels, majoring on the artisan and the organic, this is
sourcing par excellence.
Kensington Wine Rooms, Notting Hill
Fulham Wine Rooms, Fulham
Two wine bar/shops serving Modern British
food. Well sourced small selection of wines with around 40 by the glass. From
small boutique winemakers to great classics these are great venues to go to sup
and sample.
The Henry Root, Park Walk, Chelsea
The inspiration owes much to “William
Donaldson is none other than we share the street in which he lived and from which
the Henry Root Letters were sent, obviously we thought his life was worth
celebrating, a life that epitomised Chelsea, the swinging 60’s and the humour
that the English are renown.” The menu changes daily with the markets and is
focused on the best of the season and always from artisan suppliers and of
sustainable sources.
Handford Wines, Old Brompton Road, South
Kensington
Handford Wines has a huge selection
of well-chosen wines and provides an excellent service for its loyal customers.
L'Art du Fromage, Chelsea
http://artdufromage.co.uk/
From cheese fondue and Raclette to classic French dishes accompanied by a good
glass of rustic wine L'Art du Fromage is a fun, sharing and unpretentious
dining experience.
Albertine Wine Bar, Shepherd’s Bush
Cosy, friendly bar that has no pretentions
other than to serve a great selection of wines and an equally tasty selection
of food including a cracking cheese board, Gromit. Knowledgeable service and a
terrific range of wines by the glass adds to the experience and prices are as
reasonable as you will find anywhere in London.
Brula, St Margaret’s, Twickenham
Once a Victorian butchers shop and now an
institution, much-lauded Brula’s intimate dining room has been transformed with
Parisian style and flair. Its beautiful stained glass, dark wood seating,
parquet flooring, velvet curtains and large mirrors on every wall inspire a
wonderful backdrop to the seasonally changing a la carte and set menus allowing
for the very best in British produce and French cooking to be combined. An
intelligent wine list of small producers tops off the experience.
The Glasshouse Restaurant, Kew
The award-winning Glasshouse is owned by
Nigel Platts-Martyn and Bruce Poole, the partnership behind Chez Bruce and The
Glasshouse. The restaurant goes from strength to strength achieving
plaudits for its well-conceived, satisfying menu, friendly expert service and
top wine list.
The French Table, Surbiton
The French Table opened in June 2001 and is
run by husband and wife team Eric and Sarah Guignard. It was their aim to
provide the very best food and service of the highest standard to a local
clientele in a warm and relaxed environment. The restaurant is a real treasure
showing attention to detail on every level.
Roberson Wine Merchant, Kensington High
Street
Terrific award-winning shop and retailer
with the most amazing selection of wines from tiny boutique growers to the top
fine wines (at very competitive prices). In the last few years there has been a
distinct move towards buying natural and biodynamic; the shelves are full of
rare gems and discoveries. Roberson will be running the pop-up wine shop at The
Real Wine Fair.
Askew Wines, Shepherds Bush Road, Shepherd's Bush, with an emphasis on good value wines and friendly
service.
Noble Green Wines, Hampton Hill
http://www.noblegreenwines.co.uk/
Wine store that ticks all the boxes with a wide selection of wines appealing to
the novice drinker, the expert and the seeker after more unusual pleasures.
Useful web site guides you through the choices, friendly service on the floor.
Great selection of beers as well!
The Real Ale Company, Richmond Road,
Twickenham
Drinks Retailing Awards National
Independent Beer Retailer of the Year 2013 The Real Ale Shop opened its doors
in May 2005 and has been supplying a wide range of high quality, but often
unknown, real ales, ciders, perries and beers produced by British
micro-breweries. They also have over 100 wines available from small producers
across the world.
Park Vintners, Wimbledon
http://www.parkvintners.co.uk/
Specialist wine shop that opened in Wimbledon Park in 2010 by Alex Roberts and
Wayne Blomfield and servicing the needs of the community ever since. They run
their own wine courses, hold tastings and other events.
The Lawn Bistro, Wimbledon
http://www.thelawnbistro.co.uk/
The Lawn Bistro opened its doors in September 2011, and since then has gone
from strength to strength. It is located at the heart of Wimbledon Village, and
has slotted in well amongst the stables, chic boutiques and local pubs. Owned
by Akbar Ashurov, The Lawn Bistro has French cuisine as its inspiration, with
seasonal menus from acclaimed head chef Ollie Couillaud. His dishes are a good
mix of classic and contemporary styles with a wealth of well-sourced
ingredients.
CENTRAL LONDON
Dalla Terra, Covent Garden
Located in the heart of Covent Garden,
Dalla Terra is an urbane, contemporary take on the Italian enoteca. The mission
here to bring a unique collection of Italian wines to a wider audience in a
friendly, inviting atmosphere. Dalla Terra pays homage to the roots of the
classic enoteca, as the bar’s name translates literally as “from the earth”.
La Gourmandina, Bloomsbury
Dedicated to French and Italian gastronomy
and combining elements of local Mediterranean delicatessen, fine food
grocery store and seated tasting areas this little gem opened recently in the
foodie enclave of Lamb’s Conduit Street.
Barrica Tapas Bar, Goodge Street
An authentic tapas bar that would not feel
out of place if it were on a busy street in Barcelona. Great range of sherries
and wines by the glass from small producers, delicious brilliant value small
plates ranging from well-sourced charcuterie and inventive combinations.
The Orrery, Marylebone
Orrery is located on the first floor of a
converted stable block, overlooking St Marylebone Church gardens in the heart
of Marylebone village. As well as a fine dining restaurant there is a terrace,
a bar, a café and shop (Orrery Epicerie). Kathrine Larson who oversees the wine
list, is one of the leading sommeliers in the UK.
Roganic, Marylebone
Roganic is a two year pop-up restaurant
that is passionate about the very best in British natural ingredients, all
cooked with skill and imagination and served with warmth and style. The space belies its
urban location, bringing you a taste of the country to the heart of Marylebone
where mother nature, flavour, balance and seasonality is everything.
The Cinnamon Club, Westminster
http://www.cinnamonclub.com/
Set in the historic Grade II listed former
Westminster Library, the restaurant presents constantly evolving menus and a
carefully matched wine list - all designed to reflect an ethos of innovation
and creativity in one of the most stunning dining rooms in the country.
Donostia, Seymour Place, Marble Arch
Modern Basque kitchen close to Oxford
Street. Speciality is meat, but consistency across an array of tapas dishes is
strong. Interesting drinks list.
Bubbledogs & Champagne Bar, Fitzrovia
Gourmet dogs (of the hot variety) matched
to fabulous, usually biodynamic growers’ champagnes and sparkling wines.
Kai, Mayfair
Michelin star restaurant serving Chinese
food with a twist. Excellent wine list with difficult-to-get-hold-of wines and
a well-above average selection of organic and biodynamic numbers.
Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, Baker Street
Now in its 7th year the Bistrot was the
original restaurant to be opened by the Galvin brothers. It was an overnight
success with both food critics and customers alike and has won several
prestigious awards amongst them Best French Restaurant for 2 years running as
well as top awards from the AA and Tatler Magazine.
Hardy's, Marylebone
http://www.hardys-w1.com/index.php
Super brasserie and wine bar on Dorset Street, just off Baker Street, a relaxed
family-run establishment attracting locals and business diners alike. Eclectic
wine list that gives pleasure.
The Perserverance, Marylebone
http://www.perseverancepub.co.uk/
Top-notch nosherie near Marylebone station. Pub on the ground floor, no-frills
dining room on the first floor. Wholesome, earthy menu, very well-executed. A
great local.
Dego Wine Bar, Great Portland Street
Brainchild of Head Chef/Patron, Massimo
Mioli, Degò offers a new and exciting approach to experience Italian food and
wine in London. Set in a quiet side street just one minute's walk from Oxford
Circus, Mioli's concept of an open-all-day “Degustation Osteria” (Deg-ò) offers
a less formal timeframe in which to enjoy the pleasure of both gastronomic osteria-style
dishes and a careful selection of fine wines.
Newman Street Tavern, Fitzrovia
Newman Street Tavern serves elegant British
food using the best seasonal, specialist and wild produce from around the UK.
The kitchen runs very traditionally with meat ageing, butchery and fishmongery
skilfully handled on site. The wine list has a strong natural component
with many organic, biodynamic and low intervention producers.
Duck Soup, Dean Street, Soho
Inspired by the small neighbourhood
restaurants of France Duck Soup is a small natural wine bar and restaurant
based around the simple idea of eating good food and enjoying delicious artisan
wines.
Harvey Nichols, London, Leeds, Manchester,
Edinburgh, Bristol
Fifth Floor, Knightsbridge
Oxo Tower, South Bank
Prism, City of London
We are delighted to announce that Harvey
Nichols will be supporting the Real Wine Promotion in eight of their
restaurants and shops. In London the flagship store in Knightsbridge, the 5th
Floor restaurant and café, Prism in the City and Oxo Tower will be selling an
array of organic, biodynamic and natural wines, whilst Leeds, Edinburgh,
Bristol and Manchester have also signed up.
Whole Foods, Piccadilly Circus
Whole Foods, Kensington High Street
Whole Foods have one of the largest
selection of organic, biodynamic and natural wines in the UK. The setting is
unpretentious and the wines are well priced. The Kensington branch has a small
wine bar where you drink by the glass and munch an array of cheeses, smoked
meats and snacks.
Terroirs Wine Bar, Covent Garden
A buzzy bar-cum-restaurant serving
French-influenced sharing plates on the ground floor with a more classic menu
in the basement. Terrific charcuterie, good cheese and a whole host of rustic
little and large dishes. The 300 bin wine list majors on natural wines
from France, but there is a sizeable chunk from Italy too.
The Green Man & French Horn, St
Martin's Lane, Central London
The river runs through this restaurant (as
a theme), the river in question being the Loire which informs the no-frills, hearty
cooking and the huge natural wine list with its alluring verticals of Chinons
and Muscadets.
Mele et Pere, Soho
http://www.meleepere.co.uk/
Mele e Pere, serves the best of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Soho.
This family-run restaurant uses high quality, fresh ingredients to produce a
menu of both classic and modern Trattoria dishes which changes daily. Homemade
Vermouth is served along with a list of predominantly Italian wines by the
bottle and glass, complementing the menu of rustic, well-sourced and
lovingly-prepared dishes perfectly.
Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley
http://www.marcus-wareing.com/home
Rated as one of the top fine dining experiences in the UK, a restaurant where
the name above the door is truly in residence. Fabulous, beautifully presented
food, great service and a very serious wine list.
EAST & EAST CENTRAL LONDON
The Empress of India, Victoria Park
This all-rounder café/bar/restaurant is now
in the hands of a small, dedicated team who are on a mission to turn it into a
culinary destination, albeit one with a neighbourhood vibe and pricing. The
food is comforting, the wine list extremely well chosen.
The City Beverage Company
Independent specialist wine and beverage
company located in Shoreditch, London supplying wines, spirits, beer, teas and
coffee from all over the globe, focusing on the very best produce each region
has to offer. “Our quest to source an eclectic collection has introduced us to
passionate local producers in all the major growing areas of the world, as well
as some very interesting and lesser known regions.” The result is a
comprehensive list of high quality and diverse wines, spirits and beverages
whatever the price.
Bistrot Bruno Bruno Loubet, Clerkenwell
In early 2010 the owners of The Zetter
Group, Mark Sainsbury and Michael Benyan, went in to partnership with
celebrated chef Bruno Loubet to open a modern French bistrot on the ground
floor of The Zetter Hotel. Bistrot Bruno Loubet has enjoyed rave reviews and
has quickly become one of London’s most popular restaurants. The wine list is
packed with well-sourced gems.
The Modern Pantry, Clerkenwell
More than a restaurant The Modern Pantry is
now one of London’s institutions. Led by Anna Hansen it serves breakfast,
lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, has a deli and outside catering arms. Food can
loosely be termed fusion but is so much more than that, great ingredients
lifted by ingenious combinations and clever spicing. Service is lovely and
efficient, courtesy of Candi Giacchetti and her team. The wine list is modern,
customer-friendly, well-chosen and wittily annotated.
Moro Restaurant, Exmouth Market
http://www.moro.co.uk/
Sam and Sam Clark's legendary Spanish & Moorish influenced restaurant in
the foodie enclave of Exmouth Market. Sit at the bar and drink sherry with
tapas or have simple, well-executed dishes in the always packed, buzzy
restaurant. Good drinks list.
Noble Fine Liquor, Broadway Market, Hackney
A brilliant newcomer and already one of the
best wine shops specialising in artisan, terroir-driven wines. Excellent
selection of biodynamic and natural wines.
Club Gascon, West Smithfield
Cellar Gascon, West Smithfield
Club Gascon is specialised in imaginative
cuisine from South-West of France. Since its opening the restaurant has
received numerous accolades including one Michelin star (since 2002). We take
our food from Gascony very seriously this is why it is monitored by 'Le Comité
Renaissance' that has a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of
freshness and authenticity. Chef Pascal Aussignac is a true original, creating
thrilling imaginative dishes. Cellar Gascon is the wine bar annex, serving
small dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Season Kitchen, Stroud Green, Finsbury Park
A treasure of a neighbourhood restaurant
offering good quality, honestly sourced produce, cooked well without too much
fuss alongside a short, well considered drinks list within a warm, welcoming,
convivial room.
Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields
The third restaurant to be opened by
acclaimed chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, La Chapelle has had praise
heaped upon it from the very beginning winning no less than 8 top restaurant
awards in its first year including AA London Restaurant of the Year and Tatler
Magazine Restaurant of the Year. Chef Patron Jeff Galvin provides a menu of
modern French classics served with attentive hospitality from a first-class
front of house team.
Androuet Cheese Shop and Restaurant,
Spitalfields
http://www.androuet.co.uk/
Affineur, cheese shop, wholesaler and restaurant, Androuet ticks a lot of
boxes. Good selection of organic and biodynamic wines matched to a superb
selection of well-kept mainly French and British cheeses.
Bottle Apostle, Victoria Park
Bottle Apostle, Crouch End
The first Bottle Apostle in July 2009 with
the idea that a wine shop could cater as much to the wine novice as it did to
the seasoned tippler. From modest beginnings the shop has gone from strength to
strength building up a loyal clientele, allying a good web site to excellent
service. The selection of wines is top class. In 2011 The Telegraph
awarded the Bottle Apostle the prize as “Best Small Wine Shop.”
Brawn, Columbia Road, Hackney
Brawn opened a year after sister restaurant
Terroirs (q.v.) and has been adept at luring the hipsters of Hackney. A
delightful small restaurant with bags of atmosphere, an alluringly democratic
menu that invites you to try virtually every dish and a thrillingly unorthodox
natural wine list.
259 Hackney Road, Hackney
Small but beautifull formed wine shop (which is surely the epicentre of
London's natural wine movement) where the owners source
(directly) cracking wines from small French growers.
Caravan, Exmouth Market, Farringdon
http://www.caravanonexmouth.co.uk/
Caravan is a restaurant, bar and coffee roastery located on a busy corner site
in Farringdon’s Exmouth Market. The restaurant menu showcases seasonal
ingredients that draw influences and flavours from all round the world. The
wine is equally cosmopolitan, and the coffee, of course, is superb.
SOUTH LONDON
Le Pont de la Tour, Shad Thames
Le Pont de la Tour combines traditional yet
innovative French cuisine, knowledgeable and friendly staff, thoughtful design
that evokes the Parisian chic of the 1930s and glamorous views of the City and
Tower Bridge. The wine list is huge and has a wide range of biodynamic growers.
Magdalen Restaurant, London Bridge
http://www.magdalenrestaurant.co.uk/
South West French food collides with English sensibility on a great menu which
is meaty to the core but never heavy. The French influences continue on the
wine list which features small growers and a nice number of organic and
biodynamic wines.
Zucca Restaurant, Bermondsey
Zucca has been a destination local since
2010. The formula is simple and impeccably executed: modern Italian food based
on top-notch ingredients at competitive prices, served by clued-up staff in
contemporary surroundings. Big wine list of top names.
Market Row Wines, Brixton
Loveable tiny shop offering around sixty
always interesting wines on a list that is constantly changing. Informal,
friendly and Bohemian. Strong emphasis on terroir wines and producers who work
pretty naturally.
Gergovie Wines, Bermondsey
http://gergoviewines.com/
Fabulous little company working with a small but select group of winemakers
eschewing chemical pesticides and fertilizers and equally natural in the
winery. Their shop and bar, 40 Maltby Street, is open in the evening on a
Wednesday and Thursday, at lunch and dinner on a Friday and lunch on Saturday.
D’Vine Cellars, Clapham
D Vine Cellars believe better wine is
produced with passion, understanding and a commitment to ethical winemaking
practices. They seek out producers who have passion, prioritise sustainable
farming methods, practice ethical winemaking processes and, most
importantly, make great wine!
Lambert’s Restaurant, Balham
Lamberts is a modern British seasonal
restaurant, offering excellent food and wine in relaxed and friendly
surroundings. They are passionate about ethical produce and maintaining the
countryside, using local suppliers, many of them small family firms, and
endeavour to use only the finest, often organic, seasonal ingredients. The
changing menu is complemented by a balanced wine list featuring some exciting
bottles at sensible prices.
