This Fleet Street spot has been keeping whistles whet for more than 135 years, having opened up back in 1879 – the year electric lighting was first introduced to London, remember? El Vino remains resolutely old-school, with dark wood dominating.
A 200-strong wine list features many lesser-known producers: a 2008 Viu Manent cabernet sauvignon, for example. The enterprise also operates as a wine shop and runs a delivery service.
And to eat? Small plates such as fried chilli chicken wings and padron peppers alongside larger plates including slow-cooked ox cheek in rioja and baked aubergine with buffalo mozzarella, artichoke, parmesan, basil and rocket. Mezze, charcuterie and cheese boards also feature.