I have mixed feelings about writing this review as this little El Vino feels like a well kept secret Friday spot which I'm about to out. The historic El Vino Company (at least the Fleet Street shop) has been around for over a 125 years and used to be the prime watering hole of gabby editors, journalists, and reporters.
This one right next to the cacaphony that is Blackfriars pub on a Friday and presents the perfect alternative to weathering the cold that winter has ushered in. It's humble appearance from the outside is a contrast to the spacious, multi-tiered indoor space. El Vino stays true to it's heritage as you can see from the vintage signage and dark wooden decor. It boasts an impressive 200-grape-type menu of wines. Given that they come in various sizes and are for the most part quite affordable, it's perfect if you want to try some of the infrequent occurring ones and broaden your vino palate.
My major (and probably only real) qualm is that it took ages for us to get our cheese board. I had to go and ask about our platter twice, The first time their reply was that they don't know what the hold up is and that they would check. The second time I was told it was on it's way but it was yet another 20-25 minutes until anything materialised. Really not okay. The only thing that saved this from slipping into a 2-star is the board itself. The board was not quite big enough for sharing more than 2 but featured a balanced and well-considered, animal selection featuring the raw sheep's milk Torta De Barros, a creamy blue La Peral, Manchego, and goats cheese with pickles. read more