The Humble Grape wine bar to open second London site

10 March 2016 by Hannah Thompson

London wine bar and shop the Humble Grape is to open a second site this May, in St Bride's Passage near the capital's Fleet Street.

The 3,600 sq ft space from Humble Grape founder James Dawson will comprise a 200-seat wine bar, shop, events space, 18-seat private dining room and wine cellar on the site of the former Press House Wine Bar, which has been unoccupied for several years.

It will be the second site for the group, after the first opened in Battersea, south London, in July 2015, with the help of crowdfunding via online portal Seedrs.

As with the original site, the new venue will offer 30 wines available by the glass or carafe, and 200 wines available by the bottle to drink in and take away, with varieties from small, sustainable vineyards worldwide. Highlights will include Blackwater Underdog Chenin Blanc MMXIV 2014 Stellenbosch, and the Vecchie Terre Montefili from Chianti.

There will also be ‘humble plates' from head chef Anna Allan, created with ingredients sourced from independent suppliers. Dishes will include Galician octopus with chargrilled leeks and triple-cooked new potatoes, roast bone marrow with dipping soldiers, and lamb ribollita stew.

The interior is by architect Jean Dumas of Trellik Design Studios and includes aged wood, cork, concrete and Portuguese tiles, with leather banquettes and colours such as amber and grey.

Dawson said: "We import over 200 wines, and have a loyal following; the mission being to make great quality wines accessible for all. The bar [in Battersea] was so well received, we're now in the position to bring the concept to central London."

The Humble Grape also runs a wine club offering members handpicked wines in cases of 12, according to their individual taste preferences.

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