The increasing popularity of the gastropub has led to a proliferation of bars and pubs that offer mediocre food for inflated prices. The Ebury Wine Bar and Restaurant, however, offers high quality cuisine for a fair price. This, combined with a relaxed atmosphere and professional service, ensures its continued and justified popularity.

The Venue
It can be a challenge to locate a good restaurant in the gastronomical desert around Victoria so the Ebury Wine Bar and Restaurant, only a ten minute walk from the station, is well worth knowing about. With a small, unassuming and dark entrance you could easily miss the place although there is something inviting about the dark interior that draws you in. A small, narrow venue means that diners pass through the bar space to get to the dining area. The decor is slightly old fashioned and dark wood and dim lighting make for an intimate but homely feel.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant area is relatively small but the effect is cosy, not claustrophobic. The Ebury Wine Bar and Restaurant is a perfect location for a dark winter's evening. Noise levels are low enough to make conversation easy but not awkward. Early on the restaurant is relatively quiet but even on a weeknight by about 8pm it is likely to be close to full. This is testament to the quality of the food and service as the place is not well located for passing trade.

The Food
The menu is relatively small but this doesn't make for an easy choice as there is plenty to tempt most palates. The dishes are seasonal and relatively simple but offer something a little more unusual than the average gastropub. The honey and balsamic roasted beetroot and stilton salad (£5.95) is not only aesthetically pleasing, with strong contrasting colours, but also perfectly balanced from a taste perspective, the sweet beetroot complimenting the pungent flavour of the cheese. The Thai fish cakes with sweet chilli sauce (£6.50) also demonstrate this subtlety of flavours allowing the taste of the fish to come through but still packing a punch with a spicy aftertaste.

This carries through to the main courses. The chilli and lemon squid (£8.25) is tender and the accompanying tagliatelle also comes cooked to perfection. Although the flavours are delicate, the dish avoids becoming bland and is incredibly moreish, just as well given the hearty portion size. Duck breast with ratatouille (£16.50) is equally well executed although the flavours are less exciting. The homemade sorbet (£4.50) is a great way to round off a substantial meal, the white peach being a particular winner. The only disappointment is the creme caramel (£5.50) which is a little on the heavy side for it's size.

The Drink
Unsurprisingly the Ebury boasts an ample selection of wine. Prices are good, many are available by the glass and bottles don't go much above the £30 mark with many more choices at the lower price bracket. Even more impressive is that the selection of house wines is extensive, about half a dozen each of white and red and including new and old world choices; you should have no difficulty selecting one to complement your meal.

The Last Word
The Ebury Wine Bar and Restaurant is an intimate wine bar is a strong contender in its class.

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