So, I must have past this place many-a-time as it is out the way but not so much. Nice place, full of random memorabilia from around the place and all with a nice layer of dust, very small... loses points for not doing pints only halves... and the biggest travesty is the fact they had no Guinness, not even in a bottle. Now, for such a small place, it had no right to have a maze that meant you'd end up leaving the place, there was two corridors that led to the same place and yet, if there were more than 7 people in there it would have been a very busy night. But i did enjoy being in there, good conversation and there was great entertainment at the time. read more

I've passed this spot on my way to college in the morning and sometimes in the evening when its opening with a lovely warm glow. It reminds me of Irish pubs with tons of bits and piece on the ceiling and the walls. I ventured in there with a gang from college recently for some wine and to check out the atmosphere. Its deliciously friendly and i've discovered also open for breakfast. Normally i would shy away from places that wax both ends of the day, because they smell bad or generally have a mixed clientele. But this place is lovely. The wine is reasonable and they have a nice collection of spirits and beer as well to cater for all that you might fancy... read more

I'm not really sure what to make of Arches.. having walked by it several times I thought it looked like a cute neighborhood wine bar that would be cozy and inviting, so we gave it a try. I think my problem is that in my head I was hoping for a mom & pop place but in reality there was a bunch of girls working that kind of stared out the window and gossiped while eating ice lollies. The food was good, I thought, I had a chicken with mushroom risotto, though my friend said her pate' was about as on-par as a waitrose purchase, so we decided that for the cost, maybe they missed the mark. The decorations are... well let's just say aplenty. There's always something to look at. I think had the service been a little more welcoming, I would have loved it a lot more, though it's always busy when I go by it. I kind of got the impression it's a very local-establishment and maybe if you're not a regular you might get a few head-turns. I'll leave the internal struggle of whether or not it's worth becoming a regular up to you, as I'm moving back to Clerkenwell so it's Vinoteca for me. read more

Super excited to try new winebars, especially this one. From the outside, it looks super quaint, with a unique and endearing mismatch of nostaligic-looking decorations on the walls, shelves, covering everything basically. So. Here's what happens: We open the door, walk in. The music stops, heads get whiplash as every person in the place whip their heads to look us over. ...okay, not that bad. but pretty close. THe waitresses were clearly not impressed that we were there and asking for a table. They 'offered' to let us sit outside when there were tables inside, which is where we sat. Unfortunately, that meant the ENTIRE.TIME. all five waitresses stared at us blatantly and without shame. At this point, I'd just like to apologize to each and ever goldfish I've ever owned because good lord, is it annoying. Besides the service, the food was adequate. I had pate, which seriously looked like they opened a tesco package and plopped it on the plate. The other patrons were friendly, even though we weren't locals and if the servers weren't so creepy I think it would be super fun to get to know some of them. All in all, I'd save my time, money and feelings for another wine bar further downtown. read more

Very friendly staff, very good wine selection and the cheese selection was very good. This place definitely has a neighborhood feel, which is what I wanted. The only reason I'm not giving them five stars is that I felt a little rushed. That could be MY issue, so don't read too much into it. I arrived thinking I could hang at the bar and casually have a glass of wine while I figured out what I wanted to eat, and I was asked over and over and over if I was ready to order after clearly explaining my intent to relax (it was not a busy night). Again, overly attentive servers are not a common source of objections for me, so don't dock them for that! 4.5 or 4.75 stars would be a more accurate "score" of my experience. read more

You walk in and you feel like you're walking into a treasure chest. The quirky and kind staff make you feel like family instantaneously. The food is limited but delicious and the vast array of wines gives you a lot to choose from. Our new favorite spot, so glad we could eat here twice while in London. read more

I would have never ventured this way however a friend who lives nearby had been wanting to try it out for ages so a big group of us organised a get together and booked a table here. For a group of 9 we were seated downstairs (the area upstairs are small hokey pokey tables with an authentic decor. Downstairs is also quirky with lots of wonkey old paintings. The service was good, quite slow but the waitress was helpful, with food and wine recommendations. The menu choice is quite small and mainly consists of steaks, pasta and a duck dish. The food is good quality and there is a great wine selection. It is nice to go in big groups so you can try more of the wine. The starter platters are great and there is lots of bread and butter served with the main and before the starter. The dessert choice isn't great so we didn't try anything. If in the area I would definitely eat there again and would recommend for anyone in the area to try but I wouldn't say it was wow! read more

Amazing wine bar: friendly staff, really good wine selection and great local atmosphere. The live music on Wednesday night is a perfect way to chill and sing along while sipping a glass of wine. My favourite bar in the neighbourhood. read more

This is a regular for us. I like the atmosphere and decor. The ambiance is casual and eclectic and we always get good service. I ordered a bolognese pasta that was a special and it was good. The wine here is great. read more

Lovely, lovely little local. Great variety of reasonably priced wines, nice bar snacks, always a friendly atmosphere. It usually feels full in there as it's so small, yet I've never not had a seat. Walls quirkily adorned with bits and bobs from all over the world, some new and some very old. You'll discover something different hanging up each time you go! I'm moving away from the area and am going to truly miss this place. read more

This is hidden away behind finchley road. It is a fantastic wine bar with one of the best wine lists in north london. It serves selecton of bottled beers and has a draught option, Budwar, although this is only available in half pints! The wine list is comprehensive and they also have a separate fine wine list. They also serve great food, with a daily specials board and some fantastic desserts. The staff are very polite and well turned out. The wines are very fairly priced. The bar itself is rather small with antiques hanging from the ceiling, there is a downstairs dining area and a small patio outside at the back, and additional seating outside the front. A real community bar with friendly locals and staff. read more

I live in Washington DC, and I stay in a friend's flat up the road from the Arches for several weeks at least twice a year. It is one of my favorite spots in London! I entertain both friends and business colleagues here. The food is wholesole, tasty and varied. The wines are excellent. The staff is always welcoming! Some days or evenings when I am feeling lonely and hungry or thirsty, I will just go hang out here. There is always someone at the bar to chat with. And heck, who doesn't want to have their own local? Hats off to The Arches. read more

A small, friendly, local wine bar/restaurant set in the residential area of South Hampstead. It is an excellent place for a lazy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a daily specials board where you should look out for the lamb tagine and Greek squid. The burger and stirfry are also very popular choices. The wine list is extensive and you can choose from a vey special bottle or a glass of well chosen house wine. The helpful staff and friendly atmosphere usually means that this becomes a favourite. read more

My flatmate and i moved into Swiss Cottage 3 years ago and were thrilled to make the Arches our local. Irena, the charming and larger-than-life owner always made us so welcome with her Croatian hospitality, the wine is excellent and the food always hit the spot. Above all, the atmosphere is unbeatable - you do not feel you are in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, but more like the land time forgot, when everyone talks to everyone else and is friendly and open, super cozy, and even now that we live further toward central London, we still venture over here every few months for an evening of good food, wine and company. Highly recommend. read more