El Vino The Olde Wine Shades

You'll find yourself in one of London's most characterful wine bars, where the dark wood panelling and vintage bottles lining the walls tell stories of decades past. This isn't the sort of place that's trying to be cool—it just is, in that effortless way that comes from actually being around for ages. The wine list is genuinely excellent without being intimidating, and the staff know their stuff without making you feel small for not knowing yours. It's the kind of spot where you can easily drop £40 on a decent glass or nurse a more modest pour whilst the City types and local regulars orbit around you.