Where Modern Elegance Meets Rustic Charm: Humble Grape Islington is the Latest Wine Bar on Our Radar
Cozy, low-lit environments adorned with bottles of red, white, and everything in between; wine bars are the perfect base for an intimate evening. In fact, some say the UK’s beloved pub culture has been given a run for its money. Whether it’s a momentous date-night or an overdue catch up with friends, many are turning to these chic, Mediterranean-inspired settings to host their occasion. What’s more, with some now offering freshly prepared food to enjoy over a glass or two, an entire evening can play out under one roof. One such wine bar offering a locally-sourced menu is a London-favourite, Humble Grape.
In their own words, “life’s too short to drink bad wine”, and here at YCB, we couldn’t agree more. So, when we were invited to their Islington venue to try their delectable dinner menu, we jumped at the chance.
With six locations across London, whether you’re in the heart of the city at Fleet Street, south of the river in Battersea or further north in Crouch End, there’s likely to be a Humble Grape wine bar a stone’s throw away.
The Islington branch is a relaxed wine bar based in one of London’s most aesthetic neighbourhoods, and we couldn’t imagine a better setting for a post-work tipple to wind down. We were greeted with a smile and a generous glass of crisp, sparkling white to enjoy as we perused the seasonal dishes on offer. After a significant time spent to-ing and fro-ing between equally mouth-watering options, we opted for the seared octopus and grilled lamb chop to start, and the moussaka and rump fillet for our main course.
The tender octopus was served diced amongst seasoned new potatoes, chorizo and ginger butter, with a roasted romesco sauce underneath. Each forkful held a medley of flavours, the sweet hint of romesco blending beautifully with the smoked notes of chorizo. Meanwhile, the lamb chop was grilled to perfection and served with a sweet blackcurrant jus and herby dressing. In what seemed like a matter of minutes, our plates were left squeaky clean and cleared from the table. Following the delicious start, we eagerly anticipated what was yet to come.
The moussaka was a vegan dish, with minced mushrooms sitting in for the meat, while superstraccia took the place of béchamel.
Between layers of aubergine and tomato ragü, this was this ultimate comfort food, a hearty hug served on a plate. As meat-eaters, we can confidently say that the mushrooms were a suitable replacement for lamb, with the same succulent texture and rich flavour. However, we took note that while we were joyfully satisfied, we felt miraculously light afterwards despite the hefty portion. Consider this a testament to the benefits of plant-based eating. The rump fillet of 28 day matured British grass-fed beef was cooked to perfection. As requested, the juicy finish was medium-rare, and the tender beef cut like butter.
To complement the meaty flavours of our mains, we opted for a bottle of Saumur Champigny, a renowned, aromatic wine from the Loire Valley. Rich, elegant, and with spicy notes- a mere sip confirmed this deep red was the right choice. However, with a range of over 400 wines from around the world to choose from, you might feel somewhat overwhelmed by the extensive selection. Fear not. Humble Grape offers tasting experiences every Tuesday so you can develop your palate for those precious grapes and discover blends from Burgundy to Bulgaria, right on your doorstep. There’s no mundane slideshows or lectures, just warm conversations, generous portions, and enough insight to provide you with a savoir faire that’s bound to impress your next lucky date.
Nestled amongst the Georgian houses of Islington, Humble Grape is a true hidden gem. Combining a cozy haven with a light spacious dining area, the team have created a unique setting where modern elegance meets rustic charm. Needless to say, with thanks to the variety of wines and heavenly dishes, we can confirm that this is an incredibly merry way to spend an evening. Sharpen your tastes, expand your knowledge, and impress your friends at your next wine and dine, head to Humble Grape to make your booking today.