Greenwich is full of beautiful old independent pubs. So why go to a chain bar like Davys? Well, the wine is pretty good...

The Venue
Davys Wine Vaults is one of the less instantly appealing pubs in Greenwich with its dull green exterior and large, rather run down sign struggling to compete with many of the more stunning pubs that fill this area of London. Inside, however, is a different story with lots of nooks and crannies to explore, shining wooden panelling on the walls and borderline ornate wooden tables and chairs. Huge beer barrels also act as additional ‘tables’, which lends a feeling of authenticity to the chain bar, and the neutral colourscheme adds a lightness to the swathes of wood. It’s well pitched and far from the cold aesthetic you may expect.

The Atmosphere
Although it’s located close to Greenwich rail station, Davys Wine Vaults doesn’t seem to attract too much in the way of people traffic, with many people walking off in the opposite direction. A lot of locals seem to have embraced it, however, making it a more acceptable choice if you don’t enjoy the hubbub of the more touristy pubs in Greenwich. The staff are particularly welcoming and seem - to their credit - keen to encourage repeat business.

The Drink
Whilst many of the pubs in and around Greenwich concentrate on draught lager and real ale, the clue is in the title of Davys Wine Vaults. It’s the grape that’s best represented here. Budvar, Asahi, Corona and Whitstable Bay do fly the flag for the beers, though. But back to the main event. There are almost 20 bottles of red and white wine apiece (over 40 bottles in total), well described with prices running from £15 to £70, catering for all budgets. The collection of old and new world wine covers most grape varieties and you’re sure to find something that catches the eye.

The Last Word
Fine if you like wine but with so many proper pubs and independent watering holes nearby, Davys Wine Bar suffers in comparison.

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