Cork & Bottle

4.2 (55 reviews)

ModerateWine Bars

Closed • 12:00 pm - 11:30 PM

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Cork & Bottle - Wine Bars Near Me - London, XGL

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CORK & BOTTLE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

12 Photos

Outside

7 Photos

Intimate

Moderate noise

Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - Cork & Bottle

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Nola G.

We absolutely loved this wine bar!! Over 300 wonderful bottles on this wine list. Friendly and helpful staff to navigate our dining and wining experience. This is super comfy cozy and a great place to spend an evening with friends. Our food was so delicious and we found the perfect wine pairings. Founded in 1971, it is easy to see why this spot is legendary.

Kelsey B.

Okay so I'm hesitant to share this place with others but hands down best wine bar I've been to in London. It's very hole-in-the-wall and doesn't really look like a wine bar from the outside, but it's a neat little underground bar and restaurant with lots of side "cubbies" for more intimate conversation. I've come here multiple times with friends and we really enjoy the carefully-chosen house wines that change every week/month. The cheese plates and mains are delicious too. I would HIGHLY recommend the ham and cheese pie, especially after a really long day. It's rich comfort food at its finest. I'd also advise checking out the Christmas menus and any other events. You can even have private occasions here. My only word of caution - maybe don't work from home here (for those fellow WFHers who are always on the lookout for a London restaurant to dine and work). The cell service is dodgy since it's underground.

Yee Gan O.

Despite me considering this part of London almost a second home, I have to confess that I've never noticed this place until a group of us London Yelpers seconded it for a UYE We had organised a 'Welcome to London' UYE to meet some visiting American Yelpers but for differing reasons, neither of them made it. However, the London gang didn't need an excuse to meet up for a drink and a catch up. The event turned into Allie Y's leaving do by default in the end Our first choice of the Covent Garden Cocktail Club was closed and Andrew M made a quick decision to switch the venue to the nearby Cork & Bottle as Nava N and Grant T were already there Cork & Bottle is an underground wine bar located in the heart of Leicester Square but the 2 entrances are rather discreet and perhaps a little drowned out by the bright lights of the establishments on either side Descend the spiral staircase and you'll find quite a large area divided into interesting little nooks and crannies. I found the Yelp crew in fine fettle and fine voice, partly due their being halfway through Vash's list - Vash, I'm not sure who you are but your wine recommendations certainly made some Yelpers very happy that night My pineapple juice was very reasonably priced at £1.80 for the heart of the West End It's not the coolest or trendiest place to hang out in this part of London but I liked the relaxed vibe and we certainly had a good evening there

Aline D.

Im not the biggest fan of Leicester Square. It's just always far too crowded and things there are too touristy and over priced. It is easy to walk straight past its entrance. You'll find it in between shops selling sickly looking pizzas on one side and a sex shop on the other. As you enter, you go down a narrow staircase, but once you're through you can take in the laid back atmosphere and fantastic wines this place has to offer. We had a bottle of the Viognier, which wasn't too heavy, and filled myself with a starter of bacon and avocado salad, followed by a heavy, creamy risotto. All of which was actually very good and extremely filling. Worth braving the ruthless crowds of Leicester Square!

V N.

Great service and food in a very busy area of London. We had dinner here our last day in London. We ordered the spinach soup, steak $19 and crab/shrimp pasta $13. The portions were huge. The steak was great but the pasta was a bit too soggy. The restaurant has a small downstairs and the entrance is easily missed in a busy area.

Melissa A.

This place is a gem....seriously, I probably shouldn't even write a review because I want to keep it as much on the down low as possible. In the middle of Leicester Square, as I was bemoaning the crappiness of touristy areas I see this window and all it has is wine bottles (yep, that will always grab my attention). We open the door and all we see is a winding staircase going down....hmmmmm. Being "adventurous" we head down the staircase and enter a tiny room, packed with people. No one greets us so we have a look around and see another room, so we venture in there....more people, lots of them....more hidden rooms too.... And then we see a tiny bar area and two people getting up to leave. My boyfriend is on it, he zooms in, grabs and seats and hands me the wine list. Awesome selection of wines. Just awesome. Tons of wine by the glass or the bottle. Cheese and charcuterie plates....more wine....more cheese....they have food too and it all looked really good, but I won't lie, I was there for the wine. We got to try some really interesting wine and the service here, though harried (I honestly don't know how they fit that many people into such a tiny space) was really helpful. If there is one place I will definitely be going back to when I visit London, it's the cork and bottle....but shhhh, don't tell anyone.

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Ellie P.

Elite 15

193

458

14 years ago

This area is a total tourist zoo. Luckily, this place gives you the chance to escape to a downstairs sanctuary for a glass of wine and some snacks. They have a solid wine list and a great selection of cheeses and other nibbles. read more

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Lorraine W.

Elite 14

112

15 years ago

I discovered this little wine bar tucked away just off Leicester Square last night and what a great find it was, I can't believe I'v walked past so many times and never noticed it before. They have an extensive wine list with something to suit every taste and budget and the food's great too. The cheese and ham pie looked awesome and I'm definitley going back to try it but last night we opted for the vegetarian sharing platter which consisted off stuffed vine leaves, hummus and bread, sun dried tomatoes and red onion and goats cheese crostini amongst other things. I like this place a lot, it reminds me of how Grape Street wine bar used to be before it closed down, I'm planning my next visit already! read more

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Cydney M.

7 years ago

We went here to enjoy a bottle of wine before a show. Ordered a 34 pound bottle and also bought some food. The wine came to the table opened (server didn't uncork it at the table). We figured this was due to a lack of training as the pours for the wine were also not great (granted not every pour can be perfect). However, having the bottle come open also led us to wonder if it was tampered with in some way. Furthermore, our server never topped up our glasses throughout the time we spent there. We're fine doing this ourselves, but the wine service no-no's kept stacking. Being people who've spent many years in serving (from bars to fine dining) we thought we'd say something politely to our server when we left. What we found out to our surprise was the server's response indicating that because we did not spend above 40 pounds on a bottle of wine they decided to not open the bottle at the table or do any wine service. So we were 6 pounds short of receiving table service... We found this shocking that an establishment would discriminate service based on the items you've selected. We thought the bad service was just due to incomplete service training (still not a great perception for an establishment for your customers to have when you're a dedicated wine bar) - which was fine - until we realized the real reason for receiving bad service. Now, we cannot recommend this place to other visiting friends and family. We were also with a family member who lives in London who was also shocked by this. read more

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Rory K.

175

12 years ago

I have been coming here for about 35 years. Very enjoyable experience every time and excellent central place to meet. Prices for the wines are creeping up unfortunately but still acceptable. read more

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Scott G.

132

11 years ago

Spent 11 days in London so we have seen and done a lot but this was very memorable. It's a small place so you must get a reservation! Our table wasn't quite ready when we arrived at 6pm so we went to the very small bar. The gentleman there was very nice and gave us some recommendations on a white wine and some free tastes as well. We got a bottle and we were seated moments later. Hannah was our server and she was wonderful. Super sweet and attentive. When we said we weren't hungry yet, she said not to worry we have the table for as long as we want. We had too lovely bottles of wine and a delicious dinner (ham and cheese pie and a pasta dish). While it wasn't cheap it was worth every penny! read more

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Qype User (mediac…)

18 years ago

Don Hewitson's underground wine bar is a hidden gem, and only those in the know find one of the two entrances just off Leicester Square. The reward is a haven of peace, with he finest wines and top quality bar food at very affordable prices. It's a great place to meet up, and is rarely busy, having the feel of a private club. I recommend it highly, as long as you don't bring too many people with you. Tip - buy a signed print from the guys behind the bar - they could be very collectable in years to come. read more

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Qype User (Carrot…)

18 years ago

I dropped in here for a dinner on Thursday evening at 8pm and this place was packed, so I'm not going to agree that this spot is a haven of peace. However, we had a truly excellent bottle of wine, picked randomly off the extensive & chatty (in a good way) wine list. It was a 20 minute wait for a table for 2 and even the bar was packed (the bar is in the middle of the restaurant). Luckily everyone, diners included, was friendly. Insider tip: after they seat you, have a look at the menu. Once you know what you'd like to eat, you go back up to the salad bar and place your orders (and pay). We sat at the table wondering when our waiter would come over for ages, before asking the nice people at the next table for help. They are known for their cheese & ham pie, but be warned, it's massive and artery clogging. But tasty, especially if you share it with a friend (and they have a salad). I especially love the cave-like feeling of the place, with all its nooks and crannies. read more

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Qype User (Amelia…)

16 years ago

Four stars for the freakin' interesting wine list. Fantastic - and full of incredibly good value, interesting drops. Only possible complaint is that to sample a range you end up incredibly drunk (if you're there with only a few, as most interesting wines are by the bottle). Odd, and interesting menu, but really, I'll go here again for wine and food that doesn't bother trying to be cool. Now, that's what makes for a cool wine bar. read more

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Qype User (bluebu…)

16 years ago

I was in awe of the number of different wines, there are chalk boards everywhere listing all kinds. I was impressed with the vegetarian food, I had a lentil casserole and it was delicious. i found it hard to believe that such a cosy place was hidden below one of the busiest squares in London. Perhaps we should have kept it quiet. read more

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Jennifer B.

14 years ago

Despite the fact that this place is square in the middle of tourist mania and night clubs, its an amazing place for a quite bite and great wine. They have an extensive list of wine by the bottle, glass and carafe. I did not eat here but the food looked and smelled delicious and they had a great selection a cheese. read more

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Qype User (Jimenc…)

18 years ago

The only thing I can say is: GET THE CHEESE AND HAM PIE! It is just that: layers of cheddar cheese and ham, with a pastry crust on the top. Nothing else. Plus the wine is excellent and varied, and the atmosphere relaxed. An amazing find considering it's in Leicester Square, which is full of tourist hell-holes. read more

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Kyle M.

8 years ago

As an FYI, it was made clear to me by en employee that simply coming to eat a meal and not order wine was not acceptable. This was at the Paddington location. read more

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Frankie F.

108

120

14 years ago

Variety of wine and cheese - this is what one needs and this is surely what I need and love. Went there with my sister while she was in town and had a lovely evening. read more

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Eric E.

10 years ago

Wonderful, cozy and friendly. We had a good pre-theater meal and bottle of wine. Waitstaff very friendly and excellent food recommendations. read more

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More info about Cork & Bottle

44-46 Cranbourn Street
London WC2H 7AN
United Kingdom
Leicester Square
Directions
020 7734 6592
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.thecorkandbottle.co.uk

Hours

What time does Cork & Bottle open?

Cork & Bottle opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Cork & Bottle close?

Cork & Bottle closes at 11:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Cork & Bottle have a happy hour?

No, Cork & Bottle does not have a happy hour.

Does Cork & Bottle serve alcohol?

Yes, Cork & Bottle serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Cork & Bottle have TVs?

Yes, Cork & Bottle has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cork & Bottle have bike parking?

No, Cork & Bottle does not have bike parking.

Does Cork & Bottle have outdoor seating?

No, Cork & Bottle does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Cork & Bottle have parking?

Yes, Cork & Bottle has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Cork & Bottle allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Cork & Bottle allows outdoor smoking.

Does Cork & Bottle have free WiFi?

Yes, Cork & Bottle has free WiFi.

Cork & Bottle Reviews in Other Languages

German
1 Review

Review Highlights - Cork & Bottle

“Because we loved this little wine bar so much, we decided to stop by this place two nights out of our 7 day stay in London.”

Mentioned in 8 reviews

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People searched for Wine Bars 496 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

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Explore benefits

Gordon's Wine Bar

4.4(455 reviews)

0.3 mi•Strand

•££

I can't compare Gordon's to any other place I've been to. This place is truly unique and I'm so…read moreglad it was recommended to us by a family member. It's located in an old wine cellar (the oldest in London) and dimly lit by candles. If you are looking for a spot that matches the dark and moody London aesthetic and offers plenty of history, this place is perfect for you. I was very surprised by the quick wait time. We travelled in August which is their busiest time of year and the most we had to wait for a table was maybe 10 minutes. This place seems to be a true hidden gem and more popular among locals than tourists. The cheese boards are delicious and just as unique as the place itself. They have plenty of flavors to choose from and have several different options depending on your budget. We went with the two cheese board and everything included paired perfectly with the wine. The staff was great at giving us recommendations and even let us sample several flavors before committing. We loved this place so much we decided to come back our last day for round two. If you are travelling to London, I highly recommend adding this wine bar to your list of places to eat or drink in the city.

We had this place on our bucket list and we're excited to visit what is Londons oldest wine bar…read more Lines were long for the outside patio but weirdly not for the inside which was the cool part- a cave lit by candles above the Tube lines. Really cool atmosphere with a low cave ceiling, comprehensive wine list and lots of cheese, charcuterie and some other British favorites. We began with wine, rose bubbles and a glass of champagne- unfortunately my champagne was room temperature which is a per peeve of mine but the rose bubbles were served ice cold in a cold glass?! My husband did enjoy his wine! We were asked about food but they never came back so we decided to enjoy our drinks and the unique atmosphere before heading out

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Wine

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The actual entrance

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

4.1(12 reviews)

0.3 mi•Covent Garden

•£££

Fun place to hang out and people watch while you enjoy a glass of wine. The wine selection is…read moreexpansive, and they have non wine offerings and food as well. Seating is pretty hard to get outside on a nice day, but inside had plenty, and on two floors. The service is good.

Tiny spot right in Neals Yard but such an amazing place to have a drink. Great selection of wines…read moreand great prices, plenty of options by the glass and truly a chill atmosphere. Very kool team works here and they all enjoy the place and each others company. Perfect place to grab a drink or escape the day, any time of day. I always try to stop by when I'm in London and so glad this place has been around for years and hope its here for years to come. Truly affordable beautiful reds around 6-7 pounds per glass. Love love love

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Neal's Yard, with the wine bar seating on the left.

Wine!

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CAFE BOHEME

3.8(85 reviews)

0.2 mi•Bloomsbury

•££

Came here on my trip to London and the French toast was to die for! So good especially after a 10…read morehour flight. I tried the carrot juice and it did taste like play doh (fair warning if you don't drink juice like that) not their fault I just wanted to try something different. Besides that the service was great and I highly recommend!

FAST We were…read moreattending the Harry Potter play just around the corner and heard the music playing here and had to come in. These two guys jammed to some of the best Spanish Music in town. FAST review Food: is just ok, not many options, I had the potato, mushroom leak pie and we also got the chicken club, along with a side of sweet potato fries. The fries were really good. The beers were 2/3 pints and fairly priced. Atmosphere: these two guys were awesome. Playing some great music. Bohemian feel, nice bar. Service: the young lady serving us was really nice. Tips: definitely keep an eye out for music.

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Bar vibe

Food: Fromages du jour £10 and Myrtille crème brûlée £9. Cocktails: Spicy Mango £13 and Boheme Punch £13.5.

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Best music in London

The Den

4.4(5 reviews)

0.3 mi•Soho

•££

I visited this place to escape from the loudness and chaos of Soho, and I am glad that I found this…read moreplace. It is low key? The bartenders are super nice, and they let me take my time to take in the place, peruse the menu, and wait until the live music started. I also appreciated the theme. The names of the drinks on the menu are inspired by rock stars/ famous songs, and there is live pianist at 8pm. You can come here in groups, with a date, or even by yourself (which is what I did). Highly recommend!

There was something about this spot which made me feel like it's been here forever... It had that…read moreslightly faded hipster vibe of not trying too hard, offset with the 20-page menu! But it was surprisingly empty on Saturday afternoon (when my boy and I tumbled in, trying to digest all the luxury from the gelato place next door), so that might have been a clue! I feel like this could become my spot to recommend whenever people ask about where to meet prospectives for a first-date. Lighting is good, style is sexy and the mojitos are strong!

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Le Beaujolais

4.4(35 reviews)

0.1 mi•Covent Garden

•£££

Pascal is the BEST!!!! Sit at the bar and be WOWED!!!!!his knowledge of French wine and cheese is…read moreperfection

Came here pre-show on a week night...it was buzzing! They have a great wine selection with super…read moregenerous pours. Coming from NY, I am just blown away by how you can get such good wine for less than $10. The staff is super friendly and it has all the feels of a local wine bar you'd visit with a friend!

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The best choice by Pascual!!!

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Outside

Little Italy

3.4(41 reviews)

0.2 mi•Bloomsbury

•££

Horrible place, awful service, food not properly prepared. Crammed tables do not go here.read more

Good was not worth the price and definitely not Italian. Services were slow and the bar was full of…read moreentertainment with drunk women almost having sex on the tables If thus us your type of entertainment it is perfect but definitely not a family place It looked like a nice restaurant to go before the theatre but a big mistake There is always a chance of a drunk but usually a good restaurant knows how to handle it but not this one

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Spaghetti Bolognese Pasta undercooked dish had no flavor.

Copious mystery Caesar salad dressing.

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68 and Boston

3.3(7 reviews)

0.3 mi•Bloomsbury

Saturday evening stroll, down Greek street It's 20 minutes…read morepassed 5, I'm thinking "wine and my lips must meet!" Tucked away from the flamboyant bustle of Soho Is a favourite drinkery of mine, 68 and Bo. Classic ambiance, jazzy music, weekend buzz amid Oh... did I mention? Each wine bottle is 20 QUID! Every changing selection of wines of flavour Also great meat and cheese nibbles, you are sure to savour! Get here too late and the drunks overcrowd But the evening from 5-8, it's like a wine-relaxation cloud So if you're looking for a place to sit with some vin Head to 68 and Boston, avant que vous soyez coquin :)

This place wouldn't even let me in to get a drink because I was solo man. Past this place up.read more

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Ain't Nothin' But...

4.1(108 reviews)

0.5 mi•Soho

•££

We went to the blues jam tonight. The music was very good…read more And I had a fun time singing and blowing harp. Friendly staff. Great posters! Sound level was very reasonable. The host managed all the musicians and traffic very well. Good players and singers. Howard Blu Maryland,

ain't nothing but a late night out in soho…read more... ain't nothing but a side street that also houses dishoom, clearly a distraction for anyone hungry. ain't nothing but an overflowing crowd being told outdoors drinking ceases after 10pm? ain't nothing but a one in, one out queuing system, so just stand patiently in line for entry. ain't nothing but relief from the outdoors elements in exchange for a sardines packed indoors on a monday night because there's no cover charge? ain't nothing but jostling for precious real estate as you inch yourself towards the bar to quench your thirst. ain't nothing but cashless transactions, even a cashless tipping machine, just tap and go! ain't nothing but a beer in one hand and a cup of nuts in the other, still inching ever so slowly towards the stage. ain't nothing but non stop live music and a boisterous appreciative crowd making room to groove along. ain't nothing but a long wait to poach one of a handful of tables to sit and soak in the ambience, freeing up your hands to clap! ain't nothing but enthusiastic jamming sets right up till 12.45am. ain't nothing but a good late night out in soho!

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Looks like this might be the best spot to stand inside!

Sounds good!

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Inch your way to the stage......after you get your beer!

Vagabond Wines

4.0(25 reviews)

0.6 mi•Fitzrovia

•££

Sophia was awesome fave us incredible wine recommendations and brought a great energy. This bar is…read morea must go to for any local or tourist. The wine selection is amazing and has a wide variety.

The food was delicious, staff was so kind/ helpful, ambience was phenomenal, and wine selection was…read moreabsolutely beyond!! If you're a local I'd make this a regular spot, and if you're a tourist you definitely need to make a visit!!

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Clarette

4.9(9 reviews)

1.2 mi•Marylebone

Great ambience for a late night drink, did not eat the food but would…read moreHave loved to try it.

The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and the ambience was delightful. So glad I made…read morethis stop for lunch!

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Qype User (charli…)

14 years ago

I have been going here for 35 years with various friends from within and without the wine trade! It never lets you down. The simple and reasonably priced menu is complimented perfectly by the most comprehensive wine list chosen by Don Hewitson,a wine trade legend. Go for something from the big buckets on the bar if you are unsure of what to try. My only gripe is that the staff are not as knowledgable about the wines on offer as they should be. It is such a great list that it needs abit of wine nous and enthusiasm to get the best out of a great evenings experience. read more