Above: HIDE, Green Park
Over the last six months, Wine Lister has interviewed 19 fine wine industry legends as part of its ‘Words With’ series, getting their insights on emerging trends, producers to watch, top restaurant wine lists, and more. In our latest blog, we recap the 11 top London wine lists shared by our respondents:
Recommended by: Nick Pegna (Sotheby's)
While boasting a sturdy list of international white, rosé, orange, and sparkling bottles, this wine-focused bistro’s strength lies in its tour-de-force selection of reds.
Recommended by: Katy Keeling (Flint Wines)
This épicerie and bar was founded by four French friends to “promote specialist food and wine from France and French-speaking countries”. Their wine list spotlights over 800 wines and celebrates different regions every month.
Chez Bruce, Wandsworth (one Michelin Star)
Recommended by: Dan Keeling (Noble Rot, Keeling Andrew, and Shrine to the Vine), Stephen Browett (Farr Vintners)
Featuring a varied selection of bottles from across the world, Chez Bruce’s wine list includes a rotating 'Sommelier's Selection' chosen by Head Sommelier, Matilda Di Cecio.
HIDE, Green Park (one Michelin Star)
Recommended by: Tatiana Fokina (Hedonism Drinks), Tom Stopford Sackville (Goedhuis Waddesdon)
Co-founded by Hedonism Wines, HIDE's digital wine list is built from Hedonism’s portfolio of over 9,000 bottles, all expertly recommended by Head Sommelier, Julien Sarrasin.
Recommended by: Max Lalondrelle (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Owner, Didier Garnier, has curated a great-value French-focused wine list. The selection of well-priced Bordeaux bottles is reportedly enough reading to keep you entertained for hours.
Recommended by: Stephen Browett (Farr Vintners)
A long-standing favourite in the industry, Lorne's international wine list is headed by owner, Katie Exton. Alongside the main list, a selection of rare "single bottles" are available in limited quantities.
Recommended by: Nick Pegna (Sotheby's)
Sister restaurant of Michelin-starred Cornus, Medlar's extensive list of 600+ bottles (with around 24 wines by the glass) was compiled by former Head Sommelier, Melania Battiston, and her successors, Irene Banet and Barnaby Lewis.
Above: Noble Rot, Soho
Noble Rot, Bloomsbury / Soho / Mayfair
Recommended by: Stephen Browett (Farr Vintners), Tom Stopford Sackville (Goedhuis Waddesdon)
Having won numerous awards including the National Restaurant Awards 'Wine List of The Year' 2022 and Star Wine List ‘Best By-the-Glass Wine List’ 2023, Noble Rot is a must-visit for oenophiles. Their list features over 1,000 wines and is curated by Group Head Buyer, Joshua Castle.
Above: Noizé, Fitzrovia
Recommended by: Nick Pegna (Sotheby's), Will Hargrove (Corney & Barrow)
Founded by Loire native, Mathieu Germond, Noizé's wine list includes around 100 references of wines under £80 alongside a larger selection of fine wines from across the world.
Recommended by: Dan Keeling (Noble Rot, Keeling Andrew, and Shrine to the Vine)
A relatively new kid on the block, this wine-focused members club, restaurant, and store was founded in 2021. It offers low-intervention wines including a selection of limited production, rare bottles.
Trinity, Clapham Old Town (one Michelin Star)
Recommended by: Stephen Browett (Farr Vintners), Max Lalondrelle (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Overseen by Head Sommelier, Hugo Moreira, the Trinity cellar is made up of over 450 bottles, with a strong presence of hand-picked bottles from Burgundy and Bordeaux.
