Mmmm, wine... Most of the time I don't really consider myself much of a wine-buff, but every so…read moreoften I'll have a nice bottle of wine, and then I'll inevitable wonder why I guzzle so much crap the rest of the time. Good wine needn't cost much, and also doesn't require huge effort on your part. Majestic is the proof of this. They only do quality wine, and although of course you may end up buying something you don't like, it'll never be atrocious. If you have any idea of what kinds of wines you like, staff are more than happy to help you pick something you'll like. Majestic gives you really good prices. Ok, ahem, this is because you have to buy a whole case of wine, but I promise you it'll be worth it. You don't need to buy a case of the same wine, just pick and choose so that you end up with 12 bottles. In this way, you can get really good wine for around 5-6 pounds, sometimes even cheaper if it's a special deal. Cases of wine is the way forward!

So Oddbins is a local chain however it feels much like a hometown local wine and spirits store. The…read moreClapham Common store was recently refurbished and has a general store feel about it while offering a nice selection of wine and spirits. I especially like being able to pop in and grab a few bottles instead of being required to purchase a min of 6 that another big chain requires. I've always found the staff helpful, insightful and friendly here. This American Southerner in London says why not get your wine and spirits from those with good spirits so shop Oddbins, y'all.

The previous reviewer must work for a competitor as he seemed to know their prices rather too well…read more Given his focus on price perhaps he should concentrate on the sub £5 bottles available at the major supermarket chains? The PG shop in Battersea has a fantastic vibe- the staff are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about wines. Oftentimes they may not be able to devote much time to any one customer as the shop tends to be very busy with lots of customers coming in. I've noted that many are returning customers. The revamp looks good and they have expanded their range of offerings. Wine buying isn't simply about buying a commodity - it's an information journey and forming an understanding about the customers wishes. I love their extensive range and they have some really excellent wines. The New World is well represented in addition to the established classic regions of Europe. Yes, there are some expensive wines, but that's a fact for everyone who wants to buy top class burgundy for example.

Philglas & Swiggot feels to me a lot like a wine shop from a bygone era. The staff do not engage…read morewith customers who are left to wander round the shop trying to choose which bottle of wine they might want to purchase. Given that the vast majority of the bottles are in the £20 plus bracket this is more than a bit frustrating as, if you are going to spend this amount of money on wine, you want to be very confident that your selection is going to be to your liking. Other wine shops solve this problem by either making the wine available to taste (step forward The Sampler and Vagabond) or with engaging customer service (Highbury Vintners, I salute you). To top it off, the wine is sold at top whack prices. For example, Philglas sells Chateau Musar's current vintage at £23.15. This is more expensive than Berry Bros (whose prices are not cheap by any means) and far more expensive than Majestic who currently sell it for £17.99. While I appreciate independent wine merchant's need to make a bigger profit margin than Majestic it is almost 30% more expensive to buy your wine at Philglas without any recompense of the kind mentioned above.

Reasonable-to-good selection of beer and wine, and generally very friendly and well meaning staff…read more However, it has to be said a lot of the stock feels expensive ( won't bother everyone in this part of NappyValley, but there are other options not a million miles away). Also, it has to be said that the enthusiasm and friendliness of the staff isn't always matched by their knowledge; there are other wine merchants nearby where I'd definitely take recommendations, but not here. I remember on one occasion asking about Meursault, and being told they definitely didn't stock it, by a member of staff leaning against a shelf with-you guessed it-a number of bottles of Meursault on it.

Loving this wine shop great selection of wines and the staff really know their stuff. In addition…read moresome of the best priced wines in the country keep up the good work folks.

A sign of what Brixton is becoming; a boutique wine shop next to a charcuterie and cheese salon!…read more That being said, the owner here is very knowledgeable, and will recommend something to you if you're not sure what you want. They sell some great beers too - brands you wouldn't be able to find in your supermarket. You can drink your wine there too; on the table and chairs outside. They sell by the glass too. Lovely place this.

This wine store has a great selection of quality wines and craft beers. The owner was extremely…read moreknowledgeable with his wines and very helpful. He rotates them frequently so they are fresh and the prices are fair too.

A great addition to the Herne Hill area! We went with the wine suggestions and had a cheese plate…read morefor one (between two of us) which was enough. A lovely, relaxed ambience, great service and prices. Go just to explore! I can see already I will be a regular....

Wine World is a convenient (for me) little off-licence perched on the corner of Spencer Road and St…read moreJohn's Hill. The focus is very much on wine although there is a small selection of beer (mainly mainstream labels) and spirits (a bit more interesting). The wine selection features a few interesting bottles (especially from New Zealand) but is generally fairly humdrum with lots of large scale producers to the fore. Consequently, Wine World would not be where I would head for a special bottle and I mainly find myself popping in here to grab something when all other options have been exhausted!

Very friendly service and they're happy to make suggestions or recommendations. I mostly pop in…read morehere to stock up on a few beers and they have a decent selection and often have mix and match offers on individual bottles which allows you to try out a few different varieties. They also have a good stock in the fridges so you can buy your beer cold and ready to drink.

Hardy's shelves are overflowing with wine. The store represents lots of countries and lots of…read moretypes of wine. From chardonnay to rose, they have it all. The people who work here actually know a lot about wine, so if you're a wine dunce like me they'll be able to help you find a bottle that suits your needs. If you're having a dinner date at your house with some hottie, go here, pick up a bottle that matches your meal and you'll be sure to impress.