Harden's survey result
Summary
A “magnificent” operation – Mark Andrew and Dan Keeling’s first venture has become one of the most popular destinations in London, hitting our Top 10 most-mentioned entries for the first time this year. Opened in 2015 – and named for the wine and food magazine they started in 2013 – it inhabits the “characterful” Bloomsbury premises that were for decades ‘Vats’, and its “dark, cosy spaces” are perfect for working through the “terrific wine list” they have assembled: very arguably “the best by-the-glass list in town”, with many “rarities preserved by the Coravin system”. The cooking is overseen by afar by executive chef, Stephen Harris of Seasalter fame: “slip soles in butter are almost as good as at The Sportsman, but the other dishes are a bit more standard” – the “food can be unexpectedly accomplished, but it’s really all about the wine list which caters to all tastes and budgets”. Service is “superb, passionate and friendly” (“but can be patchy during busy periods”). Fans say, of the three branches it’s “the original and the best”, but – though slightly less commented-on – its more recent spin-offs now actually outscore the mothership.
Summary
“Even the most jaded wine bore will find something new and special” at Mark Andrew and Daniel Keeling’s “moody” watering hole in Bloomsbury – nowadays one of London’s best-known destinations. Naturally the “expertly chosen and truly fascinating wine list” (“a top mix of classics and new wave/low intervention wines”) is at the heart of its appeal, but its magic also owes much to its “fabulously knowledgeable staff” (“who really know their stuff and can make great recommendations to suit all price points”). A further major factor was the inspired choice six years ago of such splendidly apt premises: the “dark-lit” and charmingly mellow site that was for decades the forgotten-about, 1970s stalwart wine bar, ‘Vats’: “cosy and appealing with a lovely feel to it”. And, while the “wine is always centre stage”, the food is “surprisingly good” too – “on point with excellent ingredients”. “Availability by the glass is fabulous” (“and by the bottle!”), but the “measures are small at 75 or 125ml” and – “be careful!” – prices of more exotic vintages can be “injurious to the bank account”. But even those who feel “a visit quickly gets pricey given those tiny glasses” think it’s “good for a treat”. And for many aficionados “the fantastically diverse list encourages – nay insists! – that you blow your budget and reach for the stars!”. Top Tip – “splendid set lunch”.
Summary
“Such a special place” – Mark Andrew and Daniel Keeling’s Bloomsbury five-year-old entered diners’ Top 20 most-mentioned restaurants in our survey for the first time this year. “You come here more for the wine than food (although we love both)” – “a visit allows you to meander through one of the most adventurous and imaginative lists” in town: “a real wonder, with some extraordinary wines by the glass, and passionate and knowledgeable staff who heighten the experience”. (Not coincidentally, Mark is an MW, and they publish a wine mag of the same name). By comparison, “the excellent ingredient-focused cooking” can almost become “a sideshow”. Further anchoring the experience is the “delightful location on Lamb’s Conduit Street”, and the “very atmospheric” site they inherited from the ancient 1970s wine bar Vats (long RIP). Thus, “it feels like a ‘real’ restaurant, untouched by an expensive corporate interior designer”. “The bill adds up but meals at this place are always a pleasure” – “a perfect combination of warmth and style”. See also Noble Rot Soho.
Summary
“Allied to the magazine of the same name”, Mark Andrew and Daniel Keeling’s Bloomsbury four-year-old took over the “lovely”, if “slightly cramped” premises that were previously the marvellously old-school wine bar Vats (RIP). It has a “brilliantly curated” wine list “featuring something for everyone: from small, natural and biodynamic producers using grapes you’ve never heard of (from areas you didn’t even know produced wine), to the grand marques of the first growth Bordeaux. There is something for everyone and the staff are ridiculously knowledgeable and keen to help guide you through as much or as little as you want”. The “simple” fare that accompanies it is better-than-incidental too (“sometimes outstanding”), and prepared with “an assured touch”. “It’s not a place for loony foodies of the Instagram persuasion, thank God. Just really good fun!” And “all without it being daylight robbery” too.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Noble Rot?
51 Lamb's Conduit Street, London, WC1N 3NB
Restaurant details
Noble Rot Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The original retains particular (and distinctive) charm and the wine list is a knockout, with a real range of sources and prices. Food in our set lunch was excellent, while the service was attentive and warm."
"As always very good kitchen fair priced"
"The most relaxed of the franchises; gentle ambiance, mixed crowd with more locals. Great food."
"Big disappointment in every sense. We had the set menu with accompanying wine selection. I can't fault the wines we had but the starter was miserable: a few crudities and minute slices of meat. The main dish of a whole plaice was better but hardly any vegetables. Whereas the peach crumble was very good. Overall underwhelming and I won't be rushing back."
"The wine is - as always - the star attraction but the level of cooking here nearly matches up to it, with some really good dishes kicking around here and there. Wonderful passionate staff who really know the wine list, and a great environment to enjoy it all in."
"Best wine by the glass list in London (and perhaps the world)"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £18.00 | £22.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £8.00 | £22.00 | £8.00 | £8.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
51 Lamb's Conduit Street, London, WC1N 3NB
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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