The Bung Hole and its ever so slightly downgraded cellars are an alternative to the classic lunchtime beer.

The Venue
The Bung Hole's name sounds a lot more common than the decidedly prissy upstairs decor really is. The only things bunged in here are the corks in the wine bottles, as the rest of the interior is extremely measured and a little too contrived. The pale green tiled flooring that is definitely very gastro shows up the modest wooden chairs and tables. Strangely, it seems that when a trend pops up bars and restaurants seem to unwittingly follow on the crest of the wave, with this place being no exception. The Bung Hole actually feels a lot more restaurant than wine bar and the layout of the tables upstairs seems to encourage a sit down meal. The Cellar is a far more relaxing place to be. The heavy barrels and smaller bar create a more informal environment in which to sit and slosh your wine.

The Atmosphere
Visitors seem largely to be suits making the short journey from the office blocks that line the way down High Holborn. At face value it is a classy place and the Bung Hole may appeal to those with money as the steep prices afford you polite service, with waiters dressed up in shirts and aprons, happy to help and smile while they do it. The price point doesn't sum up the bar though. It may be the kind of place that doesn't encourage integration and chatty stumblings, but this may be because people like to keep to their own groups and the atmosphere remains relaxed. It really is a wine bar - the levels are quiet and the lights dim, two factors that help you to concentrate on the wines that deserve the attention.

The Food
With full a la carte dining available and menus in the upstairs restaurant bar and the cellar, there is a vast choice. Prices can't compete with the Pizza Express' of the world but the choice and quality should ease the conscience. There are traditional dishes like steak and kidney pie and a lunchtime sandwich of topside beef to go alongside dishes like grilled sea bass and kiln-roasted salmon. With the bar menu priced at roughly £8.95 a dish and upstairs hitting £15 it might not be a regular thing, but it’s a worthwhile treat.

The Drink
As a wine bar, you'd expect the Bung Hole to do well with its drink. Its wine list is heavy reading and certainly for those in the know. The menu informs that the cellars are home to wines dating back a couple of decades and beyond, and with many of us drinking in 2006 it’s quite a treat to taste the wine and hear the history. The bar also serves Davy's Own Label Wines. It has its own Sauvignon, Pinot Grigot, Claret and Shiraz and the novelty of an original bottle starts at £14.95. This is definitely not a place for beer, but if you enjoy the bubbly ale then it's worth trying a tankard of Davy's own Old Wallop.

The Last Word
The Bung Hole is a semi-sophisticated quiet night out for those who want to avoid the lagered up loudness of many other London bars.

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