Bedales is a wine shop and bar, which has made the natural progression to serving food, specialising in dishes that complement the wonderful array of wine on offer. There are currently three outposts in London, all nestled in bustling markets: Borough Market, Leadenhall Market and this venue in Spitalfields.

The Venue
The Spitalfields branch of Bedales has been designed by architects Greig and Stephenson - responsible for the rejuvenation of Borough Market - and they have created an interesting little watering hole amidst the rows of shops in the market. Surrounded by trendy boutiques and market stalls, Bedales offers the weary shopper, or indeed City banker, a relaxing location and a simple but satisfying menu. Outdoor seating helps to bring it out into the world of Spitalfields.

The interior is warm and welcoming, showcasing the wine for sale, yet a peek outside is all it takes to realise that the bar is in fact in the middle of a busy market, which does detract from the cosy ambiance. However, if the drinker focuses on the pleasant decor and food, the harsh neon lights outside can be easily forgotten. Long, narrow tables act as centrepieces with high chairs. Large plants and the glass frontage allowing in plenty of light brightening up the bar. The colours are kept simple with a neutral colourscheme, allowing the real stand out of this venue – the wine – to take centre stage.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Bedales is unpretentious despite its wine bar status, and they welcome a variety of clientele here, from a young fashionable Shoreditch set to the after work crowd. However, the overarching theme is an appreciation of good wine, ensuring that the ambiance is always pleasant and civilised. The service is efficient, if not overly friendly, and the long table, which constitutes most of the small room means that there is scope for chatting with a fellow gourmand.

The Food
The food at Bedales is charmingly rustic, simple in presentation and extremely generous in portions. The menu is based mainly on antipasti, artisan cheeses and pate, and there are mixed platters available starting at £8.50 ranging up to £15 for a larger platter. These are convivial plates, ideal for sharing. The cheese is fragrant and creamy and is accompanied by good, freshly-baked bread. The pates are rich and satisfying - the wild boar pate is excellent while the campagnard duck and port mousse is a wonderful consistency, if slightly overpowered by the flavour of port. There is an admirable attention to detail; the platters are garnished with flavoursome olives and other nice touches, such as an artfully placed wild mushroom.

The Drink
It would be a shame to visit Bedales, and not sample the wonderful wine they stock. After all, this is first and foremost a wine shop and bar, and the layout of the venue does not let us forget this with the shelves coming down with enticing looking bottles of wine. The choice of wine is extensive and there are plenty of fine bottles under £20 for those on a tighter budget. They also have a good range of wines available by the glass, starting at about £4.50.

Bedales describes its stock as a wine library, and there certainly is a rather reverential attitude to good wine in evidence here. The Pinot Grigio is crisp and refreshing, and is the perfect accompaniment to a cheese and pate platter. There is a flat charge of £5 corkage on all bottles purchased in the shop.

The Last Word
Bedales promises food and drink of an excellent standard - no surprises, this is a bar that fully realises its limitations alongside its strengths. Simplicity and excellence are the order of the day; you may not linger long under the expansive roof of the market but you will surely enjoy what you taste here.

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