London's Best Wine Bars: Vinoteca, Chiswick

Jenny Mackenzie
By Jenny Mackenzie Last edited 124 months ago
London's Best Wine Bars: Vinoteca, Chiswick

vinoteca

Background
The grand-daddy of London wine bars, Vinoteca has opened its fourth branch in uber-hip, ‘suburban Soho’ Chiswick, west London.

Vinoteca set up its first wine bar eight years ago in Smithfield, opposite the meat market. The laid-back vibe, interesting wine range and casual dining format has become the model for the ‘modern London wine bar with food’. The Chiswick branch is intimate and hip with an old-school bistro feel at the front and a no-booking bar at the back, by the open kitchen.

Owners
Wine trade royalty, Brett and Charlie — a Kiwi and an ex-brewery delivery boy who both worked at one of London’s top wine companies, Liberty Wines. Brett lives locally to the Chiswick branch.

Top wine pick
As expected with the owners’ background, a top notch, eclectic range of nearly 300 wines delivers to all palates. Each branch of Vinoteca has different wines by the glass, changing daily. UK wine producers are well represented, with Jenkyn Place fizz at £9.95 a glass. Loire dry rosé at £4.25 a glass, is a wine aficionado’s favourite.

Food
The chefs in the tiny, open kitchen pump out unpretentious, man-sized, seasonal dishes. They also bake their own bread. The steak bavette is one of the best we've ever had, anywhere. Bar snacks from £1-£4 such as wild mushroom arancini can be nibbled, with a glass, watching the action.

Who to take
Movers and shakers staying at High Road House. Creatives from Barley Mow Centre. Local chefs from la Trompette opposite. Yummy mummies in need of more than caffeine.

The USP
The ultimate wine bar. Can buy retail and online. Other branches at Farringdon, Marylebone and Soho.

Any downsides?
Once found, you’ll never want to go to anywhere else.

Vinoteca is at 18 Devonshire Road, Chiswick, W4 2HD. Facebook. Twitter.

By Jenny Mackenzie, Twitter & Facebook.

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Last Updated 09 November 2013