New Street Wine Shop

New Street is a wine shop rather than a wine bar, but the boundaries have become enjoyably blurred since the advent of dispensers that allow tasting quantities to be served, and enjoyed. There are perhaps 16 of these here, representing a changing sample of the shop’s 600 bins, grouped into selections. Given the City location, it’s no surprise that Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, dominate, but 15 other countries and a good 70 grapes are represented in a knowledgeable selection that ranges beyond the conservative. You could buy online, but then you’d be missing out on the staff’s pleasure in discussing their stock – it’s a friendly place that resembles a café more than a shop, with large communal tables, handsome wooden decor and full-height windows in a warehousey first-floor space. You’d also be missing out on sampling your prospective purchases as they’re meant to be experienced: with food. The menu is very simple – cheese, charcuterie, salads, with perhaps a sandwich special – but it’s all good quality, down to the bread and butter.