< LONDON GUIDE

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love to spend time in elegant surroundings and company, London’s wine bars are among the best in the world. Scratch any images of bad nineties hairstyles and shoulder pads that come into your mind and get ready to delight every last one of your senses. Over the last few years there has been a proliferation of London bars oozing atmosphere and serving a truly magnificent selection of wines to satisfy every taste and budget. We’d like to share a few places with you that we’re pretty sure will blow your socks off, and provide the perfect setting for a date with your girl from paradise.

One of the city’s best kept secrets is nestled in Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall market: The brilliantly named Planet of the Grapes. With ever changing stock sourced from a staggering range of worldwide suppliers, the word planet is utterly justified. With an intimate and unpretentious environment to enjoy and a surprisingly reasonable price list, it is no wonder that booking ahead is highly recommended. The planet team offer buckets of natural charm and are exceptional at making sure you’re well accommodated. As if their expertise was not enough, they also hold regular events hosted by external sommeliers for those who really want to get stuck in. There is a limited, but excellent menu of food to accompany your wine, and if you want a bit more variety of food, there is always the sister bar around the corner on Bow road. When you know this little secret, you’ll find it very hard not to share! http://www.planetofthegrapes.co.uk/

Mayfair hangout of the rich and famous, Cecconi’s is a place to see and be seen. With the likes of Madonna patronizing this Venetian wonder, you’re guaranteed a dose of glitz and glamour. From pop royalty to royalty royalty, this place has always attracted a certain calibre of guest since opening in the 1980’s. The real highlight of this unassuming yet luxurious restaurant is the imposing bar. Sitting on high, green leather stools wrapping around a beautifully presented range of drinks it is easy to think you’ve slipped into a Tarantino movie. The wine list, although very far from unimpressive, plays second fiddle to the slightly surreal, yet effortlessly charming ambience. There’s no better feeling than hanging out here with a bottle of prosecco and a femme fatale by your side for an evening. If it is Italian wine you’re after, you will not find a better selection in London, and certainly no better environment to enjoy it in. http://www.cecconis.co.uk/

Borough market has become renowned for being a hub of excellent food and drink, attracting people from all over the city every weekend to sample its culinary delights. L a Cave on Borough High Street is right at home in this foodie’s paradise. This truly is a little slice of France in the heart of London. The mark of a great wine bar is that you feel completely at home just sipping your wine without ever feeling pressured to order food. No-one understands this dynamic better than the French and this place is no exception. We’re pretty sure you won’t need asking twice to get involved with the delicious cold meats and cheeses on offer though; the perfect accompaniment to the perfect wine list. It would be remiss not to mention that there is also a world class restaurant on site, offering reasonably priced authentic French food. We’re pretty sure you will be talking the language of love in no time having paid La Cave a visit. http://www.lacaverestaurant.co.uk/

While we’re celebrating London’s wine bars, let’s crack open a bottle of champagne or two. Liverpool Street boasts two stunning venues for this very purpose. With panoramic views of the city, there is nothing better than popping a cork at Heron Tower’s Skybar. It’s truly breathtaking to be on top of the world in one of its greatest cities, celebrating in style. Be sure to make a reservation! http://www.herontower.com/the-building/the-restaurant For a great range of Champagne, Catch Bar at the Andaz hotel is nigh on unbeatable. Having just re-opened on the 15th January after being closed for an upgrade of facilities now is a perfect time to visit this elegant, classical bar. The service here is second to none, and it is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning of companions. http://www.andazdining.com/catch/bar-en.html

If you’re looking for the perfect hassle free night out in London with a girl from paradise, just ask and we’ll be happy to make recommendations and reservations.