44-46 Cranbourn Street,
Leicester Square,
London,
WC2H 7AN
0871 971 6538
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
In the heart of London’s Leicester Square, the Cork and Bottle is a mecca for wine connoisseurs.
The Venue
The Cork and Bottle is a bar and restaurant specialising in European food and quality wines. Originally a coal cellar, all of the seating is in the basement which can be reached via a steep spiral staircase. There are lots of alcoves that create areas for groups and there’s no shortage of tables situated around the rest of the area to accommodate smaller numbers.
The Atmosphere
With jazz music playing softly in the background, there is a warm relaxed feel. The decor is pretty basic but the same cannot be said for its customers who tend to be over 30 and professional. This is largely due to some of the pretty hefty price tags on some of the many vintage wines and champagnes.
The Food
All food is freshly prepared and cooked from scratch. The cheese board and lunchtime platters are a speciality, with a mouthwatering choice of seafood, meat and vegetarian, priced from £12.95. A mix of all three platters is £19.95. Apart from the daily specials, there is a good choice of main dishes including a 10oz sirloin steak with fresh rocket, tomato salsa, chips and onion rings (£16.95). All the desserts are £6.50 and are served with cream or ice cream.
The Drink
It’s all about the wine here, so don’t expect a great choice of beer and spirits. There is only one bottled lager on offer but over 300 wines and champagnes. The only drawback is that the wine list can be a little intimidating for less experienced drinkers, but don’t let that put you off as the friendly staff are more than happy to recommend something if you are a bit bamboozled.
Prices start at around the £20 a bottle mark, with sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs well represented. Fans of Bordeux will in their element as there’s an entire section dedicated to the region and quality Aussie producers such as Yalumba and Jim Barry are also on offer.
In addition there’s an excellent choice of champagnes. The Mumm Cordon Rouge is £49.95 a bottle, Taittinger Brut Reserve is £57.75, and a Dom Perignon 1999 vintage is £194.
The Last Word
The Cork and Bottle is an excellent pit stop en route to the theatre or cinema, and is great spot for intimate get-togethers over a quality bottle of vino.
Cork and Bottle Wine Bar has been reviewed by 2 users