Vagabond Paddington

Dispense Your Wine, Embrace the Experience!

My recent escapade to Vagabond was something of a revelation; a beguiling concoction of fun, flair, and fermented bounty right in the heart of London. This is a place where moderately or even profoundly enthusiastic wine drinkers are celebrated amidst an array of self-serve taps that feels refreshingly intuitive and incites just enough curiosity to keep you sipping and sampling through their extensive selection. The lofty highlight indeed is their practice of pairing wine with delightful classics like cheese and tapas which, in fairness, give the entire experience an intrinsically continental charm. There is a genuine comfort about the plush seating, the music hums at that elusive Goldilocks zone—not too loud, not too soft—and the mood is perpetually lifted by an effusive Marcello who seems more host than manager. Astoundingly knowledgable about his wines, Marcello elevates the experience from merely being an interact-at-the-tap amuse-bouche to heartfelt conversations with someone genuinely eager for you to discover what suits your palate best.

It isn’t just the wine selection that’s adeptly looked after; the staff elsewhere are just as sage, with Daryl also earning mentions from many patrons prior to my visit—an asset unafraid of involving humor along with insights in equal measure. What might contrast slightly in harmony are some mixed sentiments regarding the value of certain bites—small plates accessibility doesn’t always convert to bountiful satisfaction. And yet, there’s little question about making Vagabond a return stopover, especially with its inviting terrace designed for people-watching on generous London days. It may not be billed as the gastronomic cerebral cortex of London, but as venues go for channeling pleasure over pomp, Vagabond is gallantly sating both expectant oenophiles and casual imbibers alike.
— Milo Tastemaker