Wapping, International Restaurant Guide

How many hours have been convivially lost in this wine bar extraordinaire behind Tower Hill station, which has barely changed in the almost 40 years that it has operated in its current guise – and possibly since the Victorian era? It consists of “two adjoining cellars: one is a wine shop (with a “marvellous selection”) where you pick a wine to be decanted and served – for only £12 corkage over the take-away price – in the adjoining cellar, which has a small number of seats and tables. Platters of charcuterie and cheese (and also a vegan board) are assembled to order and served to the table”. “The quality of the food is high and prices restrained” – and if you don’t feel like a whole bottle, a good selection is available by the glass.