Diogenes The Dog, Wine Cellar
96 Rodney Rd, London, SE17 1BG -
From
£450 min spend
Up to
60 guests
Offers
catering
Internal Catering
allowed
About Venue
Are you looking for private hire of an exclusive wine bar? If the answer is yes you’ve found your match in Diogenes the Dog, a unique venue with understated elegance and a wide selection of natural wines.
Diogenes the Dog is a multi-award-winning independent wine bar & cafe bringing to the table some of the undiscovered wines of the world, with hospitality at the forefront, and simplicity as an ethos. A few of the many impressive prices this venue has received include Decanter - Retailer Awards 2021 Runner Up "Best London Neighbourhood Wine Shop", Time Out - Best Bars in London 2021, The Drinks Retailing Awards- Nominated 2020 "Newcomer of the Year ", and many more!
Diogenes, also known as Diogenes the Dog, was a philosopher in Ancient Greek who was one of the founders of the philosophy of Cynicism, and it is with this inquisitive nature this space approaches their wines. Chosen by owner Sunny Hodge, the wines featured on the rotating list support the true underdogs of the wine world. Constantly questioning wine choices by focusing on new regions such as Texas, Poland, and China, or more reputable regions brave enough to step outside the norm. His personal connections with the winemakers mean that more than half of the wines are imported directly from producers, to expose true gems to the London wine scene.
This wonderfully unique venue with an eclectic vibe is ideal for any type of private or corporate event such as intimate birthday parties, drinks receptions, Christmas parties with a twist, private dining experiences, or a fun team away day with wine tasting in the wine cellar.
The intimate wine cellar specifically is perfect for gatherings, tastings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and much more. For wine lovers, this much sought after space comes with knowledgeable and thoughtful service.
It can seat up to 30 people and has a standing capacity of 60 guests.
Pre-authorisation: £250
Min Spend: £450 - £1250 (Negotiable based on date, time, party size and duration)
Capacity & Layout
Standing
up to 60
Dining
up to 30
Theatre
up to 30
Boardroom
up to 20
Cabaret
up to 30
Classroom
up to 20
Food & Beverage
Catering arrangements
Catering facilities
Refreshments
Alcohol
Facilities & Amenities
Heating
Air conditioning
Table / chairs included
Public transport
Premises parking
Audio & Visual
Projector & screen
WiFi
Space Rules
Allowed events
Licensed for alcohol
Attendee Minimum Age
16
Cancellation policy
100% refundable 5 days before the event
Location
Reviews
- Camilla ChristensenOctober 2025
A friend and I went to Diogenes The Dog last night for their 9 course tasting menu with wine pairing and I'd absolutely recommend it - and I'm looking to book again in the very near future! 😍 The food was absolutely excellent as were the wines - they definitely succeeded in pairing this properly creating a proper delightful evening for our taste buds. ❤️ We took very long with all dishes which means they had to serve some dishes together towards the end because they were closing, but that's entirely our fault and they were super polite about it so it didn't take anything away from our evening 😊 Lottie was in charge of our evening - I think she said it was her first time hosting one of these, but I could have heard that wrong as my hearing isn't the best. She was super knowledgeable, approachable and warm which I think gave us an extra amazing experience. ❤️ (And as someone who's a little hard of hearing I really appreciated how good she was at speaking clearly making it easier for me to lip-read when needed; although I sincerely hope I didn't make her uncomfortable when I had to look extra intensely for the lip-reading 😅) 5 star experience through and though! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Riya PatelSeptember 2025
Stumbled upon Diogenes the Dog and honestly, I’m already planning my next visit. The vibe is warm, unpretentious, and quietly cool – the kind of place that feels like a real discovery. The standout for me? The orange wine – El Elefante Pisador. It’s absolutely phenomenal. Bold, complex, with just the right amount of funk and structure. It hits that perfect balance between adventurous and totally drinkable. If you haven’t tried orange wine before, this is the one to start with – and if you have, prepare to be impressed. The staff are clearly passionate and know their stuff without being pushy. They were happy to chat, offer recommendations, and genuinely seemed excited to share what they love. Whether you're a wine nerd or just in it for a great glass and good atmosphere, Diogenes the Dog delivers. Don’t sleep on it – and definitely don’t miss El Elefante Pisador.
- Davina ClokeJuly 2025
We had the tasting flight with small plates. It was a fantastic with wines from Taiwan to Canada. The combinations were carefully thought out. It made a fun treat for my friend's birthday.
