If Pimlico isn’t on your radar yet for a good night out, why not? There is always somewhere to go and something to do there, so no matter what your taste or style, heading to Pimlico – or stepping out of your front door if you’re lucky enough to live there – is always a good idea.
Take wine bars, for example. Hip and trendy they may be, but there is a reason for that; they’re great place to enjoy a good night out in. They are comfortable, they’ve got a great atmosphere, and of course the drink selection is second to none. If you’re not up for clubbing and you want somewhere a little more classy than your traditional British pub, the wine bars of Pimlico will be right up your street; perhaps literally.
Ebury Restaurant and Wine Bar
Location: 139 Ebury St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9QU
For long-time residents of Pimlico, the Ebury Restaurant and Wine Bar is a firm fixture and favourite. It’s been there for over 40 years now, and its extensive range of different times (around 20 of which can be ordered by the glass) is impressive. It also has an interesting cocktail menu, and it claims to have the best bloody Mary in town; try it and find out for yourself. Pop in for lunch and you can order food from the bar menu, or head out later and sample some of those delicious wines.
No. 11
Location: 11 Pimlico Road, Belgravia, London SW1W 8NA
If you’re looking for somewhere grand and atmospheric to enjoy a glass of wine or two, then look no further than No. 11. The enormous bar sweeps through the room and is certainly the centrepiece of the entire place, but that’s not all it has to recommend it. The décor is light and airy, comfortable and opulent at the same time which is not an easy feat to achieve. It’s helped in part by the lovely arched windows. However, it is the menu – eclectic and tempting – that really makes No 11 the place to be. There are a number of excellent wines, classic cocktails (many of which contain homemade sherbets and syrups), and some more adventurous drinks too.
Rochester Wine Bar
Location: 69 Vincent Square, Westminster, London SW1P 2PA
The Rochester Wine Bar is part of the Grange Rochester Hotel, a charming place in its own right. But the wine bar is something special, and the ideal place to spend a quiet, relaxed evening in the company of friends and loved ones. It may be a small bar, relatively speaking, but it has a large choice of wines and other drinks, including some spectacular cocktails that are prepared in front of you by true experts in their craft. It is luxurious and feels like you are sipping wine and cocktails in a lounge where you can spend as much time as you want, relaxing and unwinding as you do so.
Reunion at The Grosvenor Hotel
Location: 101 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, London SW1W 0SJ
If you like your wine bars stylish and lavish look no further than Reunion at The Grosvenor Hotel. The hotel itself was built in 1862, and was meant to be a counterpoint to the luxury rail travel craze that was sweeping the country (and well beyond). To work with the theme, the Reunion Bar (part of a multi-million pound refurbishment) is located within an original former railway lounge – and of course, it’s first class. There is a huge selection of drinks in the Reunion, including some stunning signature cocktails. If you like your martinis, this is the place to come. And of course, when it comes to wine, there is a vast array, especially if you like your wine bubbly; champagne is where this bar really comes into its own.
The Drunken Oyster
Location: 2 Sir Simon Milton Square, London SW1E 5DJ
Located right at Jason Atherton’s Hai Cenato Italian restaurant is The Drunken Oyster. This is perhaps a little more ‘rough and ready’ than your standard wine bar, but what it lacks in style and sophistication it more than makes up for in fun, comfort, and a range of drinks that will keep you occupied for many a fine hour. You can also order a wonderful assortment of bar snacks – all in the Italian style, including pizzas – for when you’re feeling peckish.
The Marquis of Westminster
Location: 50 Warwick Way, London SW1V 1RY
You might not initially equate the Marquis of Westminster with being a wine bar – it’s much more famous for being a pub – but you would be mistaken, and you might be missing out if you pass this one by. Although the ground floor is indeed a pub, there is a lovely restaurant on the first floor which serves gastropub cuisine, and – here is the exciting bit – the basement has been converted into a wine and cocktail bar. There is even a dance floor if you like that sort of thing, but don’t worry; if you prefer to keep yourself to yourself and have a cosy, perhaps even romantic, night out, there are snug booths which are cut into the walls (but you do need to book these in advance).
Vagabond
Location: Unit 17 Nova Building, 77 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0AJ
Vagabond is a rather different kind of place altogether, but no matter whether you’re a wine expert or you simply like a little tipple every now and then, you’ll find something here that suits your palette and your budget. If would be all but impossible not to with over 140 different wines that can be ordered by the glass. Even if you don’t like wine, there are premium beers on tap as well as soft drinks, and a great sharing menu to nibble on. You can even book yourself onto wine tasting classes if the mood strikes. The really special thing about Vagabond is the tasting machine smartcard, allowing you to sample whatever you want until you find exactly what you are looking for.
