The City has a lot – and we mean a lot – of sub-standard wine bars. El Vino is not one of them.

The Venue
New Bridge Street has the sort of charm that’s lacking in much of the City and it’s a setting that benefits El Vino. The bar has a classic black and bold gold signage and a large window that showcases all of the bottles of wine inside – more like a shop front than a bar. Well it is a wine merchants as well as a bar and restaurant, after all. In the summer months they put a few tables outside, which is pleasant as it is a very pretty little street. In terms of decor, think rustic. Wine lines the walls and large barrels sit proudly behind the well-sized bar. There’s a dining area if you want a more substantial meal, otherwise you can order snacks with your wine. It’s unique and has a genuine authenticity that’s so glaringly absent in many City bars.

The Atmosphere
El Vino has a calm and collected atmosphere. When everywhere else nearby is full-to-bursting, this bar is quieter and more chilled. That’s not to say that it’s lacking in atmosphere – far from it – it’s just more about the joy of wine rather than the downing of as much of it as possible before the last Tube home. And good thing, too, as it’s only open weekdays and even then it closes at 10pm. The staff are the star of the show with impeccable knowledge of wine – particularly their own stock.

The Food
The food at El Vino is simple, traditional and well priced. Soups, pates, smoked salmon and roasted peppers make up the starters, all priced at between £5-£6. The main courses include fish and chips, risottos, steaks and pies, and all come in at less than £15. It’s nice to see that they’ve not gone down a route that’s more pretentious, instead choosing to reflect the simplicity of the venue in the menu.

The Drink
There’s a strong selection of wine at El Vino – as you’d expect from a venue that doubles up as a wine merchant – covering old and new world bottles and a good selection of regions and grape varieties. Prices start at under £15, quickly moving to the higher price brackets, but you can always buy cheaper bottles to take away in the shop if you find one you love – and they take orders online. A big selling point of this bar is the wine tasting events they host. From blind tastings to two-hour long sessions and wine with cheese tastings, it’s an ideal mix for anyone looking to learn a bit more about the grape.

The Last Word
An example of why wine bars continue to do well across the world. Lacking pretension and pomp, El Vino is down-to-earth and authentic – a real breath of fresh air.

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