Where Does A Sommelier Drink In London? Alex Price’s Favourite Wine Bars

London is one of the best cities in the world for drinking, but choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve enlisted sommelier Alex Price, the name at the helm of new Queen’s Park spot Bar Blondie, to share her top recommendations for London wine bars. 

Alex began her wine career at private members’ club Annabel’s, where she joined the buying team before moving into restaurant service at Beaverbrook Members Club. She went on to play a prominent role in opening wine-led restaurant Bar Crispin as general manager and head sommelier, progressing to Ham Restaurant Group’s head of wine. Most recently, Alex headed up the wine operations at Michelin-starred plant-based restaurant Plates London.

Here are her top places to drink in London.

Best Wine Bars In London: Alex Price’s Pick

Alex Price

Lower, Waterloo

‘A superb little wine bar on The Cut in Waterloo, owned by 10 Cases alumnus Alex Pitt, who really knows how to put together a really interesting, varied and well-categorised list. There are often many good value bottles to be found, so it’s no surprise that it’s frequented by like-minded industry folk.’ 19 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RJ, lowerwine.com

The 10 Cases, Covent Garden

‘Away from the crowds of Covent Garden, The 10 Cases has one of the most perfect terraces for whiling away an afternoon, making your way through some of London’s most competitively priced wines.’ 16 Endell St, London WC2H 9BB, 10cases.co.uk

Noble Rot Dining Room

Noble Rot, Lamb’s Conduit Street

‘The original Noble Rot has a certain nostalgic charm that will always bring me back. My favourite place to have a few snacks and share a few bottles from its famously brilliant wine list. Make sure to talk to the team; they really know their stuff and are always up to date with the latest under the radar producers.’ 51 Lamb’s Conduit St, London WC1N 3NB, noblerot.co.uk

Dan’s, Dalston

‘A gem in East London that seamlessly merges an eclectic, well-curated mix of classic and natural wines. Inside, the shelves are lined with bottles from around the world, making for some seriously fun shopping. Look out for the days when they only charge £15 above the shop price to drink in.’ 2-4 Tottenham Rd, London N1 4BZ, dans.wine

Golborne Deli, Notting Hill

‘A place I don’t frequent enough, but always a joy to be in. This West London wine bar has a great selection of wines by the glass, and the helpful staff will always guide you through the well-stocked shelves if you’re looking for a bottle.’ 100-102 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PS, golbornefinewinedeli.com

La Compagnie Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden

‘A little slice of Paris in the middle of London, CVS has an incredibly extensive wine list, mostly focused on France. Get lost in the list while enjoying their incredibly tasty beef tartare.’ 8-10 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP, compagniewinebar.com

Hector’s, De Beauvoir

‘A dreamy little spot in the middle of De Beauvoir. If you’ve managed to secure one of their tables, make sure to head down to the basement, where all the goodies are kept. Jimmy and the team have spent years building an iconic selection of some of Europe’s most sought-after natural wine producers.’ 49a Ardleigh Rd, London N1 4HS, hectorslondon.co.uk

Cadet

‘Cadet is home to importer Beattie & Roberts’ predominantly European natural wine portfolio, which pairs perfectly with Chef Mike Murphy’s small but mighty menu of interesting French classics. Finish with a digestifs from their excellent selection – including some yummy bottles of Chartreuse.’ 57 Newington Grn, Newington Green, London N16 9PX, cadetlondon.com

Bar Blondie

Best Pubs & Restaurants For Wine

The Drapers Arms, Islington

‘Make sure to visit The Drapers Arms, owned by Nick Gibson, one of hospitality’s biggest champions and curator of the very fine wine list. Here you will find a lengthy selection of well chosen producers, from both the new-age and traditional styles, including hard-to-find back vintages all at very tempting prices. Nick’s years of collecting have made it a very exciting list to follow. It’s forever always my go-to place to spend a long Sunday afternoon, with friends, wine and excellent food.’ 44 Barnsbury St, London N1 1ER, thedrapersarms.com

Sune, Broadway Market

‘Lastly, Sune situated on the desirable Broadway Market, is the restaurant of wine legend and good friend Honey Spencer. Honey’s successful career in wine has unsurprisingly put this on the map as a place to drink interesting low intervention bottles from natural wine superstars and under the radar producers. Make sure to nab one of the tables outside for maximum people watching.’ 129A Pritchard’s Rd, London E2 9AP, sune.restaurant

Bar Blondie is open now at 19-21 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA, barblondie.co.uk