Natural wine london: underground spots where sommeliers drink 2025

This tiny 20-seat Lower Clapton gem represents everything pure about London's natural wine movement. Reopened in 2023 after crowdfunding, it's the spiritual successor to the legendary P. Franco, maintaining that same uncompromising commitment to natural wines from small European growers. The communal table creates an instant dinner party atmosphere where strangers become wine buddies over glasses of funky Jura Chardonnay. With 30%+ of their list dedicated to natural wines and daily selections by the glass, this is where London's wine geeks come to discover their next obsession. The weekly changing French-ish small plates are designed specifically to complement wines that challenge your palate.

Christoff's Tip:

Queue at 5pm sharp on weekdays to secure communal table spots and try the fermented brassicas with oysters

Half Cut Market brilliantly solves the natural wine accessibility problem by combining restaurant, deli, and wine bar in one North London space. Their contemporary British approach to small plates creates the perfect canvas for natural wine pairings, with dishes like pointed cabbage and pork beetroot skewer that actually enhance rather than compete with funky wines. The street food influence keeps things approachable while the natural wine selection satisfies serious collectors. It's the rare place where you can grab a sandwich for lunch, then return for a proper wine tasting dinner, all while shopping their curated selection to take home.

Christoff's Tip:

Hit their Tuesday & Wednesday Skewer Sessions for the best value wine pairing experience

Lady of the Grapes brings serious wine credentials to Covent Garden with their revolutionary focus on 350+ organic, biodynamic, and natural wines exclusively from female winemakers. The candlelit French bistro atmosphere creates the perfect setting for their Coravin system that lets you taste premium bottles by the glass without commitment. Their wine tasting experiences range from £49-75 and showcase producers you simply won't find elsewhere in London. The fondue for two at £23 per person paired with their expert wine guidance creates an experience that justifies the Covent Garden location and pricing.

Christoff's Tip:

Book the 6pm slot for optimal candlelit atmosphere and try the £49 wine flight

Tucked away on quiet Store Street in Bloomsbury, Café Deco captures the essence of 1930s Parisian wine culture with its curved salmon-pink bar and vintage charm. The intimate 30-seat space creates that perfect dinner party energy where candlelight flickers off pastel tiles and conversations flow as freely as the natural wines from small producers. Their weekly changing menu of simple, elegant dishes like salt-cod brandade and rabbit pie showcases seasonal British produce designed to complement rather than overshadow their carefully curated wine selection. Staff personally serve dishes, creating an intimacy that's rare in London dining.

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive at 5:30pm for bar counter seats - perfect for solo dining and wine tasting

This converted 19th-century stable in Hackney represents the pinnacle of London's natural wine obsession with over 200 bottles of natural and low-intervention wines. The tiny 20-seat candle-lit space with whitewashed walls creates an incredibly intimate atmosphere enhanced by vinyl soundtracks and weekly rotating chef residencies that keep the menu constantly evolving. Their £15 corkage policy for retail bottles makes it one of London's best values for serious wine exploration. Despite complaints about portion sizes, the wine selection and charming staff guidance make this a pilgrimage site for natural wine enthusiasts.

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive right at 5pm opening to secure one of 20 seats and try the brie & honey pretzel

From the acclaimed Peckham Cellars team comes this intimate Camberwell bistro that perfectly captures Parisian cave à manger culture with its jazzy turntable soundtrack and cozy atmosphere. The small plates concept showcases dishes like Jerusalem artichokes and crispy enoki mushrooms designed specifically to complement their natural wine program featuring French and Spanish selections. The adjacent wine shop creates a unique opportunity to sample wines before purchasing bottles at retail prices to drink in-house. Professional critics consistently praise both the wine curation and food quality in this warmly inviting space.

Christoff's Tip:

Start with their wine flight to understand the full flavor profile before ordering small plates

This Highbury neighbourhood gem solves the natural wine affordability problem with their incredible 2-4-1 drinks deal before 6pm daily, making premium natural wines accessible to everyone. The glass-fronted space with mismatched pastel menus and indie soundtrack creates a casual-modern atmosphere that's buzzy without being overwhelming. Their daily-changing seasonal menu features creative dishes like sweet potato croquettes and miso banana split that pair beautifully with their extensive natural wine selection. Beyond dining, they operate as a wine shop with subscriptions and regular events, making them a true community hub for natural wine education.

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the 2-4-1 happy hour before 6pm, then stay for their wine tasting events

Tucked under Haggerston's railway arches, Planque represents the sophisticated evolution of East London's natural wine scene with their striking cobalt blue walls and temperature-controlled cellar where rare bottles mature on-site. The 60-seat space designed by Copenhagen's Studio X creates Instagram-worthy lighting while their extensive low-intervention wine list showcases bottles you simply won't find elsewhere. Their exclusive membership program offers wine storage, preferential corkage, and members-only dinners for serious collectors. While some dishes lack complexity, the overall experience successfully balances refined wine expertise with relaxed Hackney cool.

Christoff's Tip:

Book Tuesday 6pm for optimal lighting and first pick from their on-site matured bottles