A wonderful new wine bar has opened in Covent Garden, we had an early sniff and gargle.

It’s hard to believe that at one point in the late 1960s, when traffic congestion made it impossible for it to work as a fruit and veg market anymore, knocking the 1830s Neo Classical buildings down and redeveloping the area into new offices was actually considered. 

Luckily a  public outcry meant the buildings around the square were protected in 1973.

For seven years nothing happened, the buildings left to quietly languish, the surrounding area full of squats and dodgy clubs. I should know because in 1977 I was a punk and it was a popular place to go, even if I actually lived with my parents in what was once respectable Croydon.

Of course today it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in London, often avoided by ‘cool’ Londoners, but there are gems to be found still and the newly opened Courtyard Wine Cellars (CWC) is somewhere special to lure for wine lovers.

Here are Edmond De Rothschild, Roseblood, Lanson, Bruce Jack and González Byass, alongside a carefully crafted list of affordable pours.

At the private opening party we were astounded to find a selection of 1000 wines from 100 regions across 10 countries. Seven arched cellars, full of bottles all watched over by a very knowledgeable team who also offer a range of vinous gift choices plus gourmet treats

As a  wine bar it’s lovely, making good use of the vaulted ceilings for atmosphere, and there are private rooms for hire as well. And we didn’t go hungry as they offer a variety of sharing platters loaded with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie from France and Italy, along with seasonal dishes. The truffled brie is stunning.

In fact you don’t even need to drink wine at all, as coffee and a selection of pastries are available in the mornings as well as treats such as ciabattas stuffed with bacon or sausage. You can sit outside too because as the Market is covered you get all the bright light and none of the rain.

It’s an absolute treat of a place, romantic as well as warm and welcoming and,  tucked away as it is, only the most discerning of tourists are going to be found there.

Reservations can be made by visiting www.courtyardwinecellars.com 

17B and 18B The Marketplace, Covent Garden, Greater London, WC2E 8RB – hidden under the stairs

Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday
(Coffee 9am to 3pm, Food and Wine 12pm to 10:30pm)

Sunday(Coffee 9am to 3pm, Food and Wine 12pm to 9:30pm)