Lower Wine Bar & Bottleshop

Hidden Gem: Charming Wine Haven Awaits

Descending the spiral staircase into Lower, I was greeted by a scintillating melody of clinking glassware and hearty laughter, an overture that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. This intimate wine bar in Waterloo, forged with unmistakable soul by its trio of co-owners, exudes both warmth and conviviality. The space is cozy yet buzzing with energy, its walls adorned with chalkboard menus declaring a bounty of small plates and nibbles—each one seemingly a prelude to the meticulously curated wines it accompanies. The ambiance is lovingly curated, each detail telling of its independent roots, devoid of the impersonal chain-like atmosphere that too often pervades dining establishments.

From the moment one peruses Lower’s wine list, it's clear this isn't just any ordinary collection; here, each bottle tells a story, personally handpicked by Alex, one of the visionary founders. My evening's selections—a tantalizing Mâcon Solutré straddling the delicate line between richness and brightness, and a flinty chardonnay that struck vibrant vines of citric notes on my palate—were transformative. The experts behind the counter, like knowledgeable bards, eagerly guided my journey through both familiar and novel varietals, all delivered at their peak readiness. While there were incremental missteps in some of the playful dishes—the fried cabbage felt as though its energies were diffused beneath a wave of balsamic—these were mere incidental blemishes amidst the delicious harmony of bread, cheese, and excellent service. As I departed, carrying a few carefully chosen takeaway bottles from the wine cellar downstairs, I was left enthralled by this peerless gem. It's a place not just to enjoy fine camaraderie but to deepen one's appreciation for viniculture—truly, Lower’s place on the map of eminent London wine bars has been rightly earned. — Jasper Griddle