Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults
“Smart wine bar/brasserie with outside tables plus British/Mediterranean cuisine in the vaults.”
Quick info
About Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults
Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults is a wine bar in London at 10 Bow Churchyard, serving British and Mediterranean dishes in the vaults. Every fortnight it holds a ticketed wine night, booked in advance, where guests taste six wines on a theme, such as different Pinot noirs. Staff share information on the wines, and a small canapé comes with each one. The bar has bartenders, and the wine list offers a selection for different tastes. Snacks and small plates are available, so a visit does not have to mean a full meal. A set menu express lunch includes a burrata, beetroot and tomato salad with a glass of house wine. Smoking and vaping are not allowed indoors.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fortnightly wine nights, set menu express lunch, burrata beetroot tomato salad and wine selection.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fortnightly wine nights, set menu express lunch, burrata beetroot tomato salad and wine selection.
Customer Review Summary
Wine nights draw the most mentions: a themed tasting of six wines, such as a run of Pinot noirs, with canapés alongside and plenty of information from staff. One attendee loved it, though the canapés had run out at their table for two of the wines. Another reviewer says the owner refused any refund or ticket transfer after a family emergency days before the tasting. The express set lunch is a close second, with a delicious burrata, beetroot and tomato salad and a decent glass of house wine described as good value. Reviewers also mention a wine selection to suit all tastes, delicious snacks, and staff who went above and beyond for a first-time visitor. Service draws sharper complaints from others. One reviewer reports that a table directed racist comments at the only person serving, with no support from anyone, and another describes a refusal of alcohol service and weird accusations. A third was told off for vaping while a nearby customer used a smokeless cigarette unchallenged, and one barman refused to allow photos inside.
Customer Review Summary
Wine nights draw the most mentions: a themed tasting of six wines, such as a run of Pinot noirs, with canapés alongside and plenty of information from staff. One attendee loved it, though the canapés had run out at their table for two of the wines. Another reviewer says the owner refused any refund or ticket transfer after a family emergency days before the tasting. The express set lunch is a close second, with a delicious burrata, beetroot and tomato salad and a decent glass of house wine described as good value. Reviewers also mention a wine selection to suit all tastes, delicious snacks, and staff who went above and beyond for a first-time visitor. Service draws sharper complaints from others. One reviewer reports that a table directed racist comments at the only person serving, with no support from anyone, and another describes a refusal of alcohol service and weird accusations. A third was told off for vaping while a nearby customer used a smokeless cigarette unchallenged, and one barman refused to allow photos inside.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Lovely place, but i got told for vaping inside (fair enough) but across the bar there was a guy smoking one of those smokeless cigs and he was getting away with it! To the bartenders credit she did try to stop him but he seemed to refuse to, but its ridiculous that he can get away with it but they tell me off! Plus it smells awful, pretty off putting, at least my vale smells like peach.”
- Google user
“The service was absolutely vile. If you are not up to their standards you will not be appreciated in their place. Unnecessary refusal of alcohol service and weird accusations! I don’t recommend going here unless you are of high class so they will treat you like actual people.”
- Google user
“First time visiting and I had a great experience. Our waitress Havana was clearly rushed off her feet but went above and beyond for us and there is a wine selection to suit all tastes.”
- Google user
“Would highly recommend their fortnightly wine nights. You try 6 wines on a theme (ours was different Pinot noirs) with lots of interesting information provided by one of Balfour’s staff, all for £25. There were also little canapés served with each wine which was a nice surprise. Unfortunately for two of them, the waiter had run out by the time they got to our table which was a shame. But we loved it and will definitely be back!”
- Google user
“Came across this place the other day the set menu express lunch was incredibly good value - we had the burrata, beetroot and tomato salad which was delicious, plus a decent glass of house wine for just £4. A great spot for a quick but nice lunch in the City.”
Location
Wine bars near Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults
- The Winemakers Club4.53890.5 mi£20–60
cheese and charcuterie board, extensive wine list, arches under viaduct
- The Boot & Flogger4.57600.6 mi
private dining room, large wine selection, courtyard seating
- El Vino Fleet Street4.31620.7 mi£30–40
graham's port, history of the place, cheese plate
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults | 4.2167 | — | — | fortnightly wine nights, set menu express lunch, burrata beetroot tomato salad |
| The Winemakers Club | 4.5389 | 0.5 mi | £20–60 | cheese and charcuterie board, extensive wine list, arches under viaduct |
| The Boot & Flogger | 4.5760 | 0.6 mi | — | private dining room, large wine selection, courtyard seating |
| El Vino Fleet Street | 4.3162 | 0.7 mi | £30–40 | graham's port, history of the place, cheese plate |
The 3 nearest wine bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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