Why We Love: #3, Blackfriars Wine Bar

Seven bite-size reasons to pay a visit to this old-school SE1 classic

Reassuringly familiar: the Wine Bar
Reassuringly familiar interior: the Wine Bar. Photo: Blackfriars

1. It’s as 1990s as Milly, Egg and Anna.
In fact, you can imagine the This Life gang meeting here for a boozy gossip after a tedious day in the law firm. Fast-forward two decades and the crowd is still a mix of yapping suits, bawdy office groups and secret trysts.

2. It’s under the arches…
So the rumble of trains above is as regular – and satisfying – as the rhythm of your wrist. From table to mouth, of course.

3. It’s old-school in the nicest, most inclusive sort of way.
Manager Terry is on hand to help out with a bit of sage oenophilian advice, while the chatty waitress will readily show you smartphone pictures of her German Shepherd-crossed-with-a-Beagle.

Blackfriars Wine Bar: survived where others haven't. Photo: PR
Exterior. Photo: PR

4. You mean it’s actually dog friendly?
Yes. Unlike 95% of places in SE1 – or in Zone 1 for that matter – the staff had no problem with our two (count ’em!) mature Jack Russells being part of the entourage.

5. Its house wine is a French merlot.
And guess what? It’s completely gluggable. But there’s an extensive selection of well-priced burgundy, gamay and other grapes on the blackboard.

6. Peckish? Order the antipasti platters 
The vegetarian ones comes with nicely chargrilled halloumi and pickled veg; while the meat version has a paté and variety of charcuterie, all served with crispy bread. Prices are under a tenner too.

7. It’s super handy for a pre- or post-theatre visit.
When you’ve had your fill, head up to the Cut, towards Waterloo, or the excellent Union Theatre round the corner.

Find the Blackfriars Wine Bar at 80 Scoresby Street, Blackfriars Road, London, SE1, open Mon-Sat 11:30am – 11:00pm. More info

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