Enjoy people watching from the window seats on the ground floor.
So what do we need to know about 56 West Smithfield?
In short, it's a new wine bar and shop in the heart of Smithfield. Their USP, as it were, is affordability. The bar is owned and run by a family who, conveniently, have their own vineyard in France. If you want to have any of the wines you see on the shelves, just add a fiver corkage to drink it in the bar.
When you say affordable, exactly how affordable?
The entry level wine is their own label rose from Provence and that comes in at a bargain £5 for a 125ml glass, or £24 for a bottle. In face most of the list is sub-£30 which, as London wine drinkers will know, is really very good value.
Where is it?
As the name suggests you'll find the wine bar at 56 West Smithfield, nestled next to the Tudor gatehouse for St Bart's. Head here, as we did, on a wintry evening and it looks like you're stepping back in time. Happily there are modern methods of public transport to get here with Farringdon being the closest station.
Where should we sit?
You have plenty of choice. On the ground floor with the bar and shop there's a mixture of counter seating and a few small tables for two. On the next floor up things get pretty cosy with sofas and armchairs.
The very cosy first-floor room of the bar
If there's a large group of you, there's a very appealing events space on the top floor with a large dining table and adjacent snug which would be perfect for wine tastings or parties.
Is there food?
There is a short food list of cheese and charcuterie options which are very well sourced.
Do try the Brun de Noix cheese when you're picking a selection - it's been brushed with walnut liqueur and we'd never tasted anything like it before.
What about the wine list?
As we've said, it's very well-priced. Pride of place is given to the wines from their own Château De La Cômbe winery, but they also have a good selection of award-winning wines from a variety of independent, boutique vineyards. Our particular favourite was the Cuvee Sasha 2016 from their vineyard. We gave it the ultimate vote of confidence, buying a bottle of it from the shop to take home with us.
Overall thoughts:
This gorgeous new wine bar is a bit of a hidden secret right now, having only just opened. But we confidently predict that when word gets out about its great wine list and, crucially, amazingly well-priced wines, it'll be hard to find a seat here. Go now, while you can, and bask in the joy of being an early adopter.
More about 56 West Smithfield
Where is it? 56 West Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS
When? Open now
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @56wslondon
Hot Dinners visited as guests of 56. Prices correct at time of publication.
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