Cork & Bottle Wine Bar

I would just like to say I worked in Methuselahs Wine Bar for about four years form 1987to around 1991. I was only 18 years of age I loved it. I'm Irish and I have to say it was very hard to move country when you are that young however I met a great group of people when I worked there. Lovely staff and some lovely customers as regards staff there was Bert John Debbie Herman Mohamed Kathleen my sister and lots more. The reason I'm writing this review is the fact that the Cheese and Ham Pie is still on the menu @ the C&B and I used to serve at least two C& H Pies every day at lunch in Methuselahs and it was really good even back then. For a dish to have survived 20 years or so well it must be something special
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Yvonne
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, July 24, 2008

Visited because of the recommendations on this site and I wasn't disappointed!!

Its next door to a sex shop and yes, from the outside doesn't look anything special. Theres a small narrow winding stairwell that takes you down to the restaurant which again isnt anything to write home about. However, get the food and wine menu and you may just start to become a little impressed! The choice of wines is huge and the prices are reasonable for London which was a very nice surprise! A bottle of house rose (sparkling) coming to a mere £23.50.

The food was exceptional and great value for money.

For starters I had avocado and bacon served with a side salad. This in itself was delicious and cost about a fiver.

I had the rib eye steak for my main (specials board) which was served on a bed of spinach and mashed potato with gravy which came on a large circular plate / bowl. This cost around £15 although main dishes started from around £7. I thoroughly enjoyed this although I have to admit it is rather sloppy so if you don't like this kind of meal maybe go for something. I would recommend though that if you do, then order a side order of bread as you just might want to dip it in the gravy :)

The Cork and Bottle serves anything from fish and chips, spicy sausage, black pudding to rib eyed steak. It has an extensive wine list and is situated in the heart of London in Leicester Square. It is kind on the palette without being hard on the wallet.

It isn't set in luxurious surroundings. There is no loud music and all you will hear is just the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant. (Although during the day it is considerably quieter).

I would strongly recommend this place if you want to impress your friends, date or business associates. Its a place that once you've been to you will want to go back to and one that, maybe like me, will feel compelled to write about!

Prices vary and if you go at lunchtime you will benefit from 2 courses for £11 but the menu is a little restricted in choice. However, I would highly recommend a lunchtime visit as I did visit one evening only to find that every table was taken and no one was really wanting to leave anytime soon! However, if you do go in the evening and have to wait, I would strongly recommend that you do....

***GREAT FOOD*** GREAT PRICES*** EXTENSIVE WINE CELLAR***

Enjoy!!

Coral Rose

Freelance Radio Presenter
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Coral Rose
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, February 02, 2008

This wonderful wine bar is an oasis in the tourist desert that is Leicaster Square. I love the sleazy entrance next to the sex shop and the fact that much of the people passing the doorway have no idea of what lies below. This is a wine bar that is stocked with a fantastic range of wines and what is really pleasing is the way in which the wines are very informally but very expertly described

The food is in my experience always good and the staff are friendly and helpful in a very laid back manner

Great place
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Paul W
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, January 25, 2008

Well once again we enjoy the time spent at the C & B...........cannot come to London without spending an evening here.

Value for money is superb..................staff wonderful................try it sometime you will enjoy it

We have sent so many people to the C & B I think we should form a club and try and make it an evening to remember.

Peter "Stebbo" Stebbings

Golf Professional

Espania
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Peter
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, January 24, 2008

We have been going to the Cork & Bottle for over 30 years and its hardly changed. The atmosphere is great and they are still making their excellent cheese and ham pie after all these years. Its marvellous to find a real wine bar where there are at least 30 wines available by the glass.
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Jill & Bryan Norris
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, January 18, 2008

Situated in the busiest of London's squares and next to a dodgy sex shop is a jewel of a wine bar: The Cork & Bottle.

I "discovered" this restaurant 3 yrs ago and have gone back at least once every two months to enjoy a meal with my partner and friends. If you find a favourite dish, stick to it. My partner's favourite dish is the spicy sausage with chips and mine is the goat's cheese/salmon baguette and salad. The wine list, salad bar and cheese selection are extensive.

Overall: Excellent value for money and good access to quality wines from around the world to suit all budgets.
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ElyB
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

I just love this place!I always go here when I´m in London. Mainly to drink a glass of Mumm or anything bubbly. The atmosphere is lovely. The food is also geat but you have to make your order at the bar.It is a great start of the evening!!!
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Catrine - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, August 17, 2007

I think the C&B is one of the great places to visist in london along side gordons. I was a manager there in the early 90's and still recommend people there now. It's a great atmosphere and great wine for value. good to see it' s still going strong.
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tim browne
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, July 15, 2007

A good venue for a glass of wine in the tourist hell of Leicester Square: great wine list, cosy atmosphere. However, I disagree with previous reviews concerning the general standard of the food: it's OK, but there are much better wine bars for food in central London. The grilled prawns were served on top of a salad that was obliterated by a tasteless dressing. Pointing this out to the waitress (in a very polite way) was met with silence. I've visited the C and B for a number of years for the wine, and will continue to do so, but wouldn't rush back for the food.
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MarkP - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The Cork & Bottle has been going strong for years - that should tell you something about the place. There is a great atmosphere if a little crowded at times, the wine is outstanding and the cheese and ham pie is to die for. Just go and see for yourself - you won't be disappointed, it is a proper wine bar.
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Iain Whitehorn
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 20, 2006