Friarwood Fine Wines

A long established business, relatively recently acquired by new (French) owners. Excellent — knowledgeable staff (just make sure you’re speaking to one of the French guys). Specialising in Old World wines, although by no means exclusively. House champagne is very palatable and good value. Will deliver and loan glasses. Interestingly, they also have an interest in premium bourbon, but that’s another story.

Great little wine shop right on the corner. The wine always seems to be good when I get it. Just ask for a recommendation!

There are two little wine shops on this stretch but this is my favourite by far. It’s in the corner site in a really nice Victorian building and it just gives the whole place a better feel — wine and where you keep it is important right?
I’m no expert on wine — at all — so what I do when I come in here is ask the very nice French man behind the desk what he thinks. I tell him about what I’m going to eat with it or who it’s for or what it’s for and he makes a suggestion and tells me about the wine. I then tell repeat what he says to whoever I drink the wine with. The selection is really good though and ranges from mid range £6 or so to much, much more serious vintages. There is also a fridge with chilled wines ready to drink and a pretty good mix of champagnes. Pop the corks.