Whether you're after a venue for a working lunch, somewhere for a date, or simply a cool venue to impress friends, this tucked-away Southwark venue is a great choice.

The Venue
Sat down a derelict road, a stone's throw from Southwark tube station, the Blackfriars Wine Bar isn't in the most obvious location, but somehow its neat position under the railway arches seems to work. Once inside, you enter into a cosy cellar-like cove with plenty of dark wood set against black metal tables and red sofas, plus discreet lighting in the evenings. The walls are covered with wine racks containing empty wine bottles, and the seating – which can cater for everyone from couples up to large groups of business people in a private section – is built neatly into the arches. There's also a few tables and chairs outside the front of the venue for the summer months.

The Atmosphere
This changes considerably from day to night, with suited businessmen occupying the venue at lunchtime and couples and smaller groups popping in for a post-work beverages in the evening. There's an eclectic soundtrack in the background, with everything form pop artists like Rihanna to chilled-out electronic beats being played. Staff are friendly, welcoming and willing to chat.

The Food
During the day, the lunch menu is aimed at the business crowd, with two-course meal deals featuring regularly. Starters include chicken liver pate (£5.50), while mains offer standard options like chicken Caesar salad (£7.95) as well as more substantial dishes such as the chorizo and beef burger (£7.95). There's also a selection of baguettes, cold snacks and three traditional desserts.

The evening's focus is very much on sharing food over a glass of wine with a Mediterranean emphasis on the menu. It includes the delicious stone baked pizzas (£8.50 each). Served on a wooden board for you to slice and share, they come with a basic yet delicious cheese and tomato topping, and are then generously loaded with whatever you choose (the selection includes chorizo, chilli beef, salami, olives, jalapenos and mushrooms). The vegetable antipasto (£7.50) is also likely to please most people: the grilled halloumi is perfectly cooked; the roasted Mediterranean veg is tender and contains plenty of flavour; the hummus is fresh and tasty, and the focaccia is plentiful but so moreish it’s likely to disappear within seconds.

The Drink
As you’d expect given the name of the bar, Blackfriars serves an abundance of good-quality wines and champagnes, all listed on a blackboard behind the bar. The house wine starts at £17 a bottle but if you're looking for something more interesting, the wines are divided by country/region on the menu and you can pick a tipple to suit your taste buds. A glass starts at £4.50, so you can easily try a couple from across the globe. If you just want a beer, draught drinks include San Miguel, Guinness and Staropramen and there's a selection of bottles too. Expect to pay around £3.50-£4 a pint.

The Last Word
Cosy, hidden and friendly, Blackfriars Wine Bar is a great find.

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