Vinoteca

Once a mainstay of the after-hours scene in the capital, London's wine bars were eventually replaced in popularity by gastropubs and the enduring charms of the good old British boozer. In recent years, a new breed of wine bar has emerged that, unlike their Eighties predecessors, are definitely more substance than style. Vinoteca (with branches in Marylebone and Farringdon) is one such establishment. Inspired by wine bars in Spain and Italy (known as vinotecas and enotecas respectively), Vinoteca lists nearly 300 wines. Food-wise, there's plenty of nibble options (try a selection of Jabago cured meats, almonds and olives, £7.50) as well as a range of enticing main courses such as pan seared scallops, salsify, romanesco, chorizo and Serrano ham (£12.50). Each dish comes with a considered wine recommendation.