A simple, popular chain - especially with City workers - with a comprehensive drinks list that could keep you opening wine bottles for hours.

The Venue
Set over two floors, Jamies has a tiny bar area downstairs and a sleek, elegant restaurant upstairs. With a very basic, wooden decor without any unnecessary frills, the focus is steered clearly to the wine and the people who drink it. However, with such little seating space and even limited standing room in the bar, it becomes a difficult feat to create a relaxed atmosphere. However, there’s always a lively buzz. The restaurant is an uncluttered, classic dining space with little character, but nevertheless is a nice place to have a meal in the City.

The Atmosphere
The mood of the bar at Jamies is totally dependant on the clientele as there is little in the venue to create an atmosphere. Usually populated by the local bankers and traders, business is in the air as you hear snippets of work related conversations all over the place. But they are also here to enjoy good wine, and possibly show off to their clients, so amiable sophistication is always maintained. However, the scene can become awkward for an outsider if a pack of corporate hounds all pile in together, taking over the small space instantly as if it was their own.

The Drink
The wine list at Jamies is sufficiently large to encompass all ranges of budget, grape and region for all to enjoy. Preserving the wine with the Verre de Vin system ensures each wine is served in its perfect condition. Prices vary from £15 to £50 for most wines, with a few more expensive options for the City splashes of cash. The array of grapes and region are explained in detail for the customer to fully appreciate each choice of wine, plus there are a few rarer details included, such as an awareness of the environment, moderate alcohol levels and de-stressing wines. Jamies list is better than many so called wine bars.

The Last Word
Though the wine list is impressive, Jamies just falls short of being a truly great wine bar due to lack of vibrancy and liveliness.

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