Humble Grape Fleet Street, Bar

Service was good. There seemed to be a lot of first dates at surrounding tables on a Friday night. Tables not too close together, comfortable level of light and no music. Just the sound of conversation and clinking tableware. We ordered the cheapest bottle of red at £36.20 which was not worth the money. Too acidic for my taste and otherwise lacking in personality. My companion liked his starter of aubergine terrine redolent with cumin. My crispy cauliflower was okay but a little greasy. Nice and tender though. We both got the lamb burger as main. I ordered as rare as health and safety regulations would allow, but was informed I would be getting it well done. When it arrived I was happy to see it was still pink inside so more a medium. My companion loved the fries but I found them a little greasy on the outside and too firm on the inside. Definitely not double cooked.

Unfortunately this location does not live up to expectations built at the canary wharf branch. While the interior is a cool and relaxed vibe, the terrace above looked hastily thrown together. Dust, cobwebs, and parasols oddly placed to barely cover only a couple of the tables. Inside, the service staff were inattentive, and it took multiple attempts to get their attention, as they were quite busy - chatting to one another by the bar. The food, once it arrived, was underseasoned, which led to another wait to get someone's attention to ask for salt and pepper - which were not checked for functionally - which led to yet another wait to get someone's attention to ask for a shaker that actually worked. Followed by numerous bones in the fish. Yes I know its fish it happens, but the size of some of those suckers, I don't think the cook even tried to check. They would have found and removed at least 2 that were almost an inch long. The wine flight on special was very mid. And the selection did not cater to all tastes unfortunately. AND after saving the last sip of the most palatable of the 4 glasses, the waiter cleared it from my table without even asking! I expected more from a dedicated wine bar. Finally dessert - on the very first bite of a scoop of ice cream, I was disturbed to find pieces of shredded cling film in my mouth. All in all a very disappointing (and unsafe!) experience that I hope to never have again.

Fantastic deco inside but was at the terrace for a drink. A disappointing space unswept with leaves on the floor but good views of St Brides Church