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Wine bars in Islington are essential to the neighbourhood’s social scene, offering a sophisticated yet laid-back environment for wine enthusiasts. Nestled between cosy streets and lively hubs, these establishments cater to casual drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs. From intimate, candle-lit venues featuring rare vintages to modern spots boasting extensive lists of organic and natural wines, Islington’s wine bars reflect the area’s eclectic and creative spirit.
As you explore this north London gem, these venues are perfect for spontaneous evening meet-ups and planned wine sessions, making Islington a destination for discovering the city’s thriving wine culture.
MUST Wine Bar Islington
MUST Wine Bar in Islington is the latest addition to the growing MUST Wine empire, which has successfully expanded from its first location in St Albans to other prime spots like Hampstead and Wanstead. Located in the charming and historic Camden Passage, the Islington venue offers wine enthusiasts a cosy yet stylish setting. Opened in December 2023, the space features a relaxed and inviting ambience, with options for indoor seating and outdoor dining.
The bar focuses on an impressive selection of over 70 wines available by the glass, ranging from accessible choices to exclusive selections featured in their “Little Red Book” of premium wines. For those seeking more than just a casual glass, the venue regularly hosts wine tastings and events, allowing guests to explore and expand their palate in a welcoming environment.
The food menu complements the wines, offering artisanal cheese boards and charcuterie and more luxurious options such as wagyu beef platters and Exmoor caviar. Whether you’re there for a casual evening with friends or a special tasting experience, MUST Wine Bar Islington provides a well-rounded blend of quality, comfort, and sophistication and one of the best wine bars in Islington.
Website: MUST Wine Bar Islington
Address: 2-4 Camden Passage, Islington, London N1 8ED
Must & Lees
Must & Lees in Islington is a neighbourhood gem that blends a modern wine shop, tasting room, and wine school. Opened in October 2021 by Chris Cassell, a drinks marketing veteran, the venue is designed to create an accessible yet refined wine experience. The space offers a relaxed, welcoming environment perfect for casual visits and more in-depth wine exploration.
The venue is notable for its extensive and thoughtfully curated wine selection, ranging from affordable everyday bottles to rare finds. Must & Lees works with respected suppliers such as Liberty and Boutinot to ensure the quality and diversity of its offerings. The wine bar frequently hosts tastings and educational events, making it a go-to spot for beginners and enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge.
In addition to its wine selection, the space offers cosy seating and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for unwinding. The events often bring a creative twist, like pairing fine wines with unexpected foods such as fried chicken or fast food, giving guests a fun and innovative tasting experience.
Website: Must & Lees
Addresses: 57 Warren Street, London, W1T 5NR
239 Liverpool Rd, London, N1 1LX
Bar Rioja
Bar Rioja in King’s Cross is a unique London wine bar entirely dedicated to showcasing the diverse wines of Spain’s Rioja region. Nestled in the quaint courtyard of the Regent Quarter, this intimate space has become a destination for seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious newcomers. The bar features an impressive selection of over 40 wines. It covers many styles from the region’s subzones—Rioja Alta, Alavesa, and Oriental. Guests can explore everything from traditional oak-aged reds to deep whites, rosés, and even sparkling wines. Many of these are available by the glass, making it perfect for tasting a variety of options in one visit.
The bodega-inspired interior evokes the wine culture of Northern Spain. The menu offers a delightful pairing of seasonal pinchos and classic tapas dishes. Executive Chef Nacho del Campo draws inspiration from the famed Calle Laurel in Logroño. He offers bite-sized treats like Spanish tortilla, tuna with herbs, and croquetas. You can also find heartier options such as patatas bravas and Segovian suckling pig. Whether enjoying a summer evening in the courtyard or sampling wines in the charming indoor space, Bar Rioja provides an authentic slice of Spain in London.
Website: Bar Rioja
Address: 3 Varnishers Yard, The Regent Quarter, King’s Cross, London N1 9FD
Yield N1
Yield N1 in Islington is a laid-back neighbourhood wine bar and shop known for its carefully curated selection of natural and low-intervention wines. Located on St. Paul’s Road, the venue features an unpretentious atmosphere where guests can enjoy a relaxed drink or pick up a bottle from their artisanal collection. The concept behind Yield focuses on small producers, sustainable practices, and a strong emphasis on European wines, though they also offer a global selection.
The space is versatile, functioning as a shop and a wine bar. Guests can sit at tables towards the front or in the back. Here, they can enjoy an ever-evolving menu of wines by the glass or bottle. The food offering complements the wine perfectly, featuring charcuterie, cheeses, and other deli-style bites sourced from local producers. Yield also organizes regular tastings and events, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about natural wines in a friendly setting.
What sets Yield apart is its commitment to accessible, high-quality wines in a welcoming, no-reservations environment.
Website: Yield N1
Address: 97 St Pauls Road, Islington, London N1 2NA
The Nook
The Nook, an intimate wine bar, and one of the best wine bars in Islington, on St. Paul’s Road in Highbury, is a neighbourhood gem run by husband-and-wife team Angus and Lale Oztek-Pook. This inviting space offers a unique blend of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a carefully curated selection of natural and low-intervention wines. The Nook transitions from a daytime deli offering fresh pastries and mezze to an evening wine bar where seasonal small plates shine. Lale’s background as a Cordon Bleu-trained chef adds a special touch to the menu. Here, guests can find standout dishes like crispy courgette dolma bites and pickled naga hummus, among the top must-tries.
The wine selection is the show’s star. Angus brings his expertise to guide guests through a rotating list of sustainable and biodynamic wines. Whether you’re in the mood for a pét nat, orange wine, or a classic bottle from Italy or France, there’s something to suit every palate. The laid-back vibe, complemented by a vinyl collection and occasional live music, makes The Nook a perfect spot for relaxed drinks, a cosy dinner, or even a weekend brunch.
Website: The Nook
Address: 220 St Paul’s Rd, London N1 2LL
Humble Grape Islington
Part of a growing mini-chain across London, Humble Grape Islington specializes in sourcing organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines directly from small, independent winemakers. With over 400 wines, including a rotating selection of 30 wines by the glass, the bar balances accessibility and expertise. The staff is always on hand to guide guests through the diverse offerings and make recommendations based on taste preferences.
The interior combines modern elegance with a cosy ambience. It features an emerald-tiled bar and plenty of natural light, making it feel like an extension of your living room. The food menu is equally impressive. It focuses on seasonal small plates, charcuterie, and artisan cheeses that pair perfectly with the wine selection. Highlights include crispy chorizo croquettes and fresh hake with samphire, often matched with carefully chosen wines.
Humble Grape Islington also hosts regular wine tastings and masterclasses, offering guests a deeper dive into the world of wine.
Website: Humble Grape Islington
Address: 11-13 Theberton St, London N1 0QY
CIRO’S
Ciro’s, located in The Ivories, is a charming neighbourhood café and natural wine bar that blends Italian flavours with a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. Opened in September 2023, Ciro’s is a female-led establishment offering a range of specialities. You can find anything from B-corp-certified coffee to freshly made pasta and plant-based treats. By day, it operates as a café and deli, serving up sandwiches, pastries, and quality coffee. At the same time, by night, it transforms into a natural wine bar offering small Italian plates and a carefully curated selection of wines sourced from independent producers.
The wine list emphasizes natural and organic selections from small Italian vineyards. Seasonal dishes like white anchovy crostini, spicy pork and fennel meatballs, and homemade desserts complement it. The venue’s warm and inviting ambience is perfect for casual visits and special events. It also hosts regular aperitivo hours and occasional themed nights making it one of the best wine bars in Islington.
Website: CIRO’S
Address: 6 Northampton Street, Islington, London N1 2HY
The Drop Bar
The Drop, located in the atmospheric arches of Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, is a relaxed wine bar with a unique vibe. Operated by the Harts Group, the team behind Barrafina and Quo Vadis, this bar captures the spirit of casual but high-quality drinking and dining. The setting is rustic, with the Victorian arches providing an intimate, almost hidden-away feel. Guests can sit inside under the arches or enjoy the outdoor terrace adorned with festoon lighting.
The wine list is thoughtfully curated. It focuses on European selections with exciting choices, like bold Greek reds and Georgian orange wines. The bar serves a range of wines by the glass or carafe, along with a few staple cocktails and beers like Estrella Galicia and Guinness on tap. The food menu complements the drinks. You can find comforting bites like hot meat or veggie baps, roast potatoes, and classic pub snacks such as scampi fries.
Website: The Drop Bar
Address: Unit 22-24 Bagley Walk Arches Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DH
Waitrose Wine Bar
The Waitrose Wine Bar at King’s Cross offers a surprisingly sophisticated experience inside the supermarket’s massive store near Granary Square. Set within the renovated, Grade II-listed Midland Goods Shed, this wine bar stands out with its exposed brick arches and modern design. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet drink, whether you’re taking a break from shopping or just in the area. The wine selection features a broad range of options, with prices starting as low as £3.25 per glass,. This makes it a more affordable alternative than the neighbouring upscale venues.
The bar offers a selection of light bites and sharing plates, perfect for pairing with your drink. The setup is casual, with high stools and a slightly brighter ambience, making it convenient and inviting. In addition to wine, you can enjoy draft beers from Camden Brewery and prosecco, with options to take away.
Website: Waitrose Wine Bar
Address: 1 Wharf Road, London N1C 4BZ
WC Wine & Charcuterie Bloomsbury
WC Wine & Charcuterie Bloomsbury is a unique wine bar in a restored Victorian water closet on Guildford Place, Lamb’s Conduit Street. Like its sister bar in Clapham, the venue retains many original features, including wooden stalls, porcelain fixtures, and tiled walls, all of which add to its quirky charm. The careful restoration of this Grade II-listed building breathes life back into a piece of London’s history. It transforms it into an intimate space ideal for date nights or small gatherings.
The wine list is curated by Master Sommelier Gearoid Devaney. It offers a diverse selection of high-quality options available by the glass, carafe, or bottle. Whether you’re interested in trying something familiar or exploring lesser-known varietals, WC Bloomsbury makes it easy to experiment with your choices. The menu focuses on sharing boards and small plates, highlighting artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and homemade pickles.
The underground setting, rustic decor, and soft lighting create an inviting ambience that feels hidden away from the streets above. The mix of history, character, and excellent wine make this one of Bloomsbury’s standout spots for a relaxed evening.
Website: WC Wine & Charcuterie Bloomsbury
Address: Guilford Place, Lamb’s Conduit Street, London, WC1N 1EH
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