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107 Wine Shop & Bar

restaurants•
London
London

107 Wine Shop & Bar

107 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0NP, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Lower Clapton Road, this tiny 20-seat wine bar has quietly established itself as one of London's premier natural wine destinations. After reopening in June 2023 following a successful crowdfunding campaign, 107 Wine Shop & Bar delivers an intimate dinner-party atmosphere that's become the stuff of East London legend.

107 Wine Shop & Bar: Lower Clapton's Candlelit Natural Wine Haven

Where communal tables meet London's finest natural wine list

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into 107 and you're immediately struck by the candle-lit intimacy of the space. With just 20 seats arranged around one communal table and a handful of stools, this feels more like dining in someone's particularly well-curated front room than a traditional restaurant. The rustic shelving displays an impressive array of natural wine bottles, while the open kitchen at the rear adds to the convivial, unpretentious vibe. Windows regularly steam up from the warmth of contented chatter between locals and wine geeks, creating that cosy atmosphere that's increasingly rare in London's dining scene. The no-reservations policy reinforces the walk-in dinner-party feel, though it does mean queues are inevitable during peak times. This is East London cool at its most authentic – intimate without being precious, sophisticated without being stuffy.

Food & Drink

The weekly changing menu of French-ish small plates showcases serious culinary ambition within the compact format. Dishes like oysters paired with fermented brassicas demonstrate a commitment to interesting flavour combinations, while the fried chicken wing stuffed with ceps shows playful technique. More adventurous offerings include lamb sweetbreads with plums and skate schnitzel, alongside crowd-pleasers like prawn heads with aioli and carefully curated cheese plates. The natural wine list is genuinely exceptional, featuring over 30% natural wines from small European growers, with daily selections of 10+ wines available by the glass. Bottles start from £18 retail, while glasses range from £6-£12, representing genuine value in London's wine scene. The knowledgeable staff excel at guiding selections, making this a true destination for wine geeks and curious newcomers alike.

Service & Experience

The staff here know their wines inside and out, which is crucial given the focus on natural and biodynamic bottles that many diners might not be familiar with. Their guidance in wine selection is genuinely valuable, helping navigate the extensive list of small European growers with confidence and enthusiasm. The communal dining setup means service feels more relaxed and conversational than formal, fitting perfectly with the dinner-party atmosphere the venue cultivates.

Value for Money

At £30-£49 per head for dinner with wine, 107 offers remarkable value for what you're getting – particularly considering the quality of the wine list and the central London context. The pricing reflects the venue's commitment to accessibility, with glasses from £6-£12 representing honest pricing for natural wines of this calibre. Retail bottles from £18 mean you can take home discoveries without breaking the bank. For a venue that's established itself as a serious wine destination, the pricing remains refreshingly grounded.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Given the no-reservations policy, timing is everything. Weekday evenings from 4pm offer your best chance of snagging a spot without excessive queuing, while weekends see the most serious queues. Friday and Saturday service runs until 11pm, but expect the longest waits during these peak periods.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the oysters with fermented brassicas – it's a standout combination that showcases the kitchen's approach perfectly. Let the staff guide your wine selection based on your preferences; their knowledge of the natural wine list is genuinely exceptional and worth trusting.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Queue early at 5pm on weekdays to secure the best communal table spotsThe venue operates as both wine shop and bar, so you can purchase retail bottles to take homeThis is the successor to P. Franco, so wine geeks will recognize the pedigree and approach

The Final Verdict

107 Wine Shop & Bar succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: create an intimate, accessible space for serious wine appreciation paired with thoughtful small plates. The communal dining format won't suit everyone, and the queuing situation can be genuinely frustrating, but for those who appreciate natural wines and convivial dining, this represents one of London's most authentic and valuable wine experiences. The combination of knowledgeable staff, exceptional wine curation, and honest pricing makes it a genuine East London hidden gem that's earned its reputation among wine enthusiasts.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

natural wine enthusiasts and curious beginnerscouples seeking an intimate date night with excellent winesolo diners comfortable with communal seating and wine exploration

Quick Details

1

107 Wine Shop & Bar

🍷 Natural wine mecca
⭐️ Communal dining
⭐️ Candle lit
⭐️ No reservations
🍷 Wine geek approved

This tiny 20-seat Lower Clapton gem represents everything pure about London's natural wine movement. Reopened in 2023 after crowdfunding, it's the spiritual successor to the legendary P. Franco, maintaining that same uncompromising commitment to natural wines from small European growers. The communal table creates an instant dinner party atmosphere where strangers become wine buddies over glasses of funky Jura Chardonnay. With 30%+ of their list dedicated to natural wines and daily selections by the glass, this is where London's wine geeks come to discover their next obsession. The weekly changing French-ish small plates are designed specifically to complement wines that challenge your palate.

What's Great

✓ Most authentic natural wine experience in London

✓ Incredible value with bottles from £18 retail

Keep in Mind

× Queues at peak times can be brutal with no booking system

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue at 5pm sharp on weekdays to secure communal table spots and try the fermented brassicas with oysters

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Venue details

🕐"Mon-Wed, Tue: 4pm-10pm, Thu: 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 2pm-11pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm"
📍107 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0NP, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 8985 0005
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

107 Wine Shop & Bar has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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Natural Wine London: Underground Spots Where Sommeliers Drink 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 23, 2025
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