Background
London city boys and girls are not short of wine outlets in the Square Mile. However, decent vino by the perfectly chilled glass has arrived with the swish of a cape in the form of the ‘Don’.
Situated on the site of the original Sandeman Port and Sherry cellar in St Swithin’s Lane, a few paces from Bank tube station, Sign of the Don is a new wine bar with a fine line in Whisky too.
Owners
Wine power couple, Robert and Robyn Wilson, 41 years married. Charming, glamorous proprietors of the Don Restaurant and Bistro next door as well as the famous Bleeding Heart Restaurant, off Hatton Garden, 30 years old this year. They also own Trinity Hill Wines in New Zealand.
Top wine pick
400 lines in the cellar shared with The Don Restaurant and Bistro next door ensure top notch wine will be a given. The Trinity Hills connection means the New Zealand wine range should be good too. Port fans will be pleased to see 10 year old Tawny by the glass.
Food
Snacks upstairs in the bar and tables downstairs next to the open kitchen cover all bases. They will also be open for breakfast from next year.
Who to take
Quick lunchtime City meeting over a decent glass of wine. Whisky lovers. First date with co-worker. Budget conscious power lunch for Port fans.
The USP
Accessible, open-plan bar in prime City of London location. Lots of good wines, by the glass, changing frequently. Impeccable service. Quick in and out.
Any downsides?
Architect humbugs will drone on about the unsympathetic ‘enhancement’ and streetscape of St Swithin’s Lane.
Sign of the Don, 21 St Swithin’s Lane, City of London, EC4 8AD. Fully opens 3 November 2013
Review by Jenny Mackenzie, Twitter & Facebook.
Previously: 10 Cases Cave a Vin, Covent Garden
