Harden's survey result
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.
Summary
“Allied to the magazine of the same name”, Mark Andrew and Daniel Keeling’s Bloomsbury three-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 32 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).
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Restaurant details
Noble Rot Restaurant Diner Reviews
"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."
"Best wine by the glass list in London (and perhaps the world)"
"Excellent Bistro food. The breads were incredible. Excellent wine selection although waiter did try push us from a £54 bottle to one at £128. Dining area is pleasant but nothing special and as per most London restaurants you are right next to another table"
"First visit here. Slip soles in butter were almost as good as the sportsman but the other dishes were a bit more standard. Lovely place and great atmosphere for a cosy dinner. Wine list is obviously great."
"Very disappointing. Food was average. Had to send one dish back because it was not hot enough."
"What's not to love if you like your wine? The rating is for the wine/food combo - the food is a very decent option but it's the list that makes it a special place. Enthusiastic staff help the hours tick by - a great place to hang with friends and put the world to rights. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £18.00 | £22.00 |  |
|
|
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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