El Vino — Restaurant in London

I hadn't been to El Vino for over six years but on walking in nothing had changed. Except maybe the prices! El Vino has always been one of those places where you immediately feel comfortable and welcome. As I live in Spain I ordered a pint of Estrella beer (£8) which immediately resulted in a conversation with the Spanish guy behind the counter who told me that he usually works in their High Holborn wine bar. I was meeting a friend so didn't have the chance to try any food but a look at the menu shows a selection of tapas and more extensive dishes. That's the only reason for the three stars for food. It was pretty tasty those six years ago and talking to a customer sounds as if it still is. Fortunately my friend was late so that enabled another glass of Estrella. And further conversation! A return visit is definitely on the agenda when I am next in London. I hope that I won't have to...

Disappointing. After walking past this place several times and meaning to give it a try, I finally took lunch here yesterday. They do a lunch only menu of sandwiches for £8-10, from which I opted for the jamon and manchego. What arrived was a small, supermarket style ciabatta on a side plate with fairly sparse fillings of average quality. Whilst inoffensive, it was worth nowhere near the price. Additionally, the wine list by the glass was overpriced and very limited (especially given the name of the place) so I ordered a small draught beer - at over £6 this also represented poor value for money.

Overall, my lunch was edible but felt like a complete ripoff. A small, disappointing sandwich and small glass of lager for over £15 does not represent anything approaching a good deal and I certainly...

This gem from the past has deteriorated in many ways under Davy's ownership. The decor is tired, staff try hard and are cheery but seemed to lack knowledge or training in wine. Cooking and quality of food is pretty poor. I liked El Vinos for years, so this is hard to say, but I can not recommend it and suggest anyone seeking a wine bar in this area goes to Gordon's at Charing Cross instead!

There is no understanding of wine at all here any more. My white burgundy was warm and no-one on the staff even knew what a Kir Royale was - never mind serve one up to a thirsty visitor! Not really acceptable for a spot like this that claims it is a wine bar. Too sad. This was a quality spot...