Gyngleboy is a compelling Davys wine bar and brasserie in the heart of Paddington with a relaxed setting and quality and quantity on the menu.

The Venue
Authentic and antique-like with a European influence, Gyngleboy is simple with its dark solid oak framework. Featuring a remarkable brass-plated cashtill dated from the early twentieth century, brass pans hang from the ceiling and barrels of wine spread at focal points across the bar. The front veranda displays extra seating in the warmer seasons whilst inside, the rectangle-shaped restaurant has plenty of tables and a main bar at the entrance. Tucked under the stairwell leading to the loos is what seems like a prison corridor with a bolted huge gate, and all around are iron doors. This spooky gate is, in fact, a cellar storing hundreds of bottles of wine and Champagne with a wine tasting table set.

The Atmosphere
The clientele at Gyngleboy are an eclectic type: young professionals having a bite to eat after work with colleagues or clients; mature and young couples enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle outside; and friends meeting up and having a good old natter. There is no music or distractions, so it’s easy to wind-down, sip wine, and eat a full-hearted meal at your own leisure.

Servers, postured with a tea-towel hung over their arm, are male dominated and very polite and professional in their butler type uniforms. The manager is noticeable at all times and will acknowledge your presence during your stay to ensure you are content. Don’t expect overfriendly staff who will make funny jokes, they are quite serious but very professional.

The Food
The Food Menu at Gyngleboy is limited with about five dishes per course including a homemade soup of the day. All the portions are excessively generous. A good starter is the buffalo mozzarella and Mediterranean vegetables covered in an oily sauce with a multitude of sharp flavours. The smoked salmon dish is bland and simple with a mountain of salmon plonked on top. The main courses are loaded with meat - the lamb shank with mash, green beans and gravy is superb, the meat moist and succulent and so smooth it melts in your mouth. The roast beef and potatoes with salad and horseradish is disappointing as there is no mention of cold meat on the menu - a bizarre and dry combination. Desserts are sublime, particularly the chocolate orange pudding with clotted cream.

The Drink
This is a wine bar so, as you can imagine, there is a huge selection of white and red wine, Champagne from France, Spain, Italy and across the world.

The Last Word
Ideal for the wine connoisseur, this brasserie is attractive and classy - a great escape from London in London. Take a glimpse of the spooky cellar if you dare.

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