The main bar area downstairs
They already have two big hits in Islington behind them with Goodbye Horses and The Dreamery and now the same team are blazingly on track for a third with Stable Wines.
Opening just off Essex Road, this is part wine shop, part wine bar. Upstairs is the shop, dominated by a custom-made counter from the same oak tree as the bar at Goodbye Horses (Stable Wines is designed by the same team as that and The Dreamery). The shop will, just like their other venues, have a focus on natural wines.
This is what you're looking for upstairs (it's MUCH bigger downstairs)
Inside the shop with its fantastic oak counter
But it's downstairs where the real magic lies. That's where, in the former bank vault, you'll find what we're describing as a 15th-century style speakeasy. This is, quite simply, one of the most jaw-dropping spaces to open in London in some time. There's a large communal table, strewn with candles and surrounded by wine bottles. Along a darkened passageway, you'll find snug, candlelit alcoves that'll be bookable for groups as well as a table for eight that might be held for walk-ins, or be a private dining space. They're still working that out.
Wine Director, Nathalie Nelles and General Manager, Fred Clelland are presiding over a fully natural wine list here. They say it's all about 'zero-zero' wines. That means wines where nothing has been added, and nothing removed.
The big table inside the wine room
It really does look VERY impressive.
Along this passageway are three large alcoves
The menu starts with Carlingford oysters with a choice of three toppings - Guinness rarebit, chilli mignonette or wasabi vinaigrette. Then there's a mix of small and larger places like spaghetti squash vol au vent with quince and Scottish langoustines with eggs mayonnaise.
We see a lot of new openings, but we can honestly say that nowhere we've been this year has had quite the impact on us that heading downstairs at Stable Wines has had. And given how many celebrities now call this part of town their home, we expect getting a table here to be among the most brag-worthy achievements of the next few months at least.
More about Stable Wines
Where is it? 344a Essex Rd, London N1 3PD
When does it open? 1 December 2025
Find out more: On their website or follow them on Instagram @stablewines.
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