Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Bedford Street Wines looks too inviting not to go in. Although it is very small, the space is cleverly used and the atmosphere effortlessly relaxed. High stools, wine barrels doubling as tables, and a communal table that anchors the room, together with shelves stacked with wines from all over the world make for the unfussy décor of the bar. It’s the kind of place you could drop by after work, settle in before a theatre show, or visit just to find a bottle that’ll impress at your next dinner party.
Bedford Street Wines is run by Rob Hampton and Matt Lovell, the duo behind The Oystermen restaurant, and their passion for good wine and good food is evident in every corner.
Their wine selection is extensive, thoughtfully curated with a clear affection for small producers, family-run vineyards, and craft beers. It’s as much about buying a bottle as it is about discovering something new with the help of people who know and care about what they’re pouring.
When we arrived, the sheer range was slightly overwhelming. Thankfully, we were in the hands of Loris, a charming Sicilian who knows his wines inside out. After asking a few questions to gauge our taste (we said we were in the mood for “red or dead”), he started us off with a Guerrilla Barbera 2021. Deep purple and lush with fruit, it was vibrant and bold – notes of cherry and plum laced with spice and a hint of liquorice. It had body, balance, and a lively acidity that left us wanting more.
Next up, he brought over something close to my heart as a Spaniard: the Artuke Paso Las Mañas 2022, a Rioja with a twist. It was surprisingly light and floral for a Rioja, with soft tannins and a fresh, elegant character. It felt modern yet grounded, a beautiful balance of fruit and finesse.
For a change of pace, we tried the Henri de Villamont 2021, Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige. Delicate and easy-drinking, it had a soft nose of red fruits and subtle spice – a great choice for guests who aren’t keen on heavier reds. It was one of those wines that quietly wins you over.
And just when I thought we were done, Loris gave us a final taste of his home – Italy. From Campania, he poured a Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC, a natural wine that was almost silent on the nose but opened beautifully in the mouth: ripe cherries, liquorice, a whisper of spice, and a long, velvety finish with a touch of vanilla.
Author: Julia Pasarón
Bedford St Wines
33 Bedford Street
Covent Garden
London, WC2E 9ED
Contact the Bedford Street Wines team, HERE.
Wondering where else to go for a drink? Try Scarfes Bar at The Rosewood.
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