The Cellars

Boring staff no smiles or welcoming comments, we sat outside in the back this evening no plates or cutlery until we nearly finished our cheese and meats, I hasten to add no pickles, olives or crackers included? which was supermarket standard, nothing special !!!! wine was old and and been open for several days, toilets full of black mould and the whole place out the back needs a deep clean, if this is where locals give a 5 star rating they need to venture outside there own area once and a while to see what is available else where. We would not return or give our custom again, This is open and honest opinion!!!

Lovely wine store with a broad l, well curated selection for retail and £10 crocks to drink in. A new glass washer wouldn’t hurt but a lovely place I’ll return to.

Where are you from?

We go in, and trying to find a seat, in the back, a large French man, not quite speaking Pigeon bellows to me "Please sit down. Fromage, Vino?" Like an old friend from school, he pats my back, leading us to a seat. He is with some equally drunk friends, men and women, English and French. Thing is, I didn't even look at their faces, I had moved into myself, so I just saw tables where we might sit. I didn't look at his face either. I only looked at the face of one woman, perhaps his partner, who was seated, drinking, with tight curly hair, mildly imploringly just once. Like a blackened pit pony, being lead down a mine, hoping for some reprieve.

The room is tight, and the two tables where we could sit are crammed in next to the big table where the group sit. "Would you like this table or the one over there?" he shouts. He's pretending to be my waiter., "Please come, welcome." he acts as if on stage. "Do you work here?" I ask, regretting the emission of this sheeplike lubricating bleat from my mouth, my naive attempt to make sense of this all, and anyway half not really being quite sure if he does. "Noooo" he smiles, No! laughs out loud.

We sit down, but he goes on "What would you like, Jambon, Vin Rouge, Fromage?" making a show of serving me. I can't think what else to say.

"Where are you from?" he asks.

I go through the possibilities, I've thought I should respond with "What social class are you", but it feels too rude to say now, as I shake my head, stare at the table under me, raise my eyebrows, smile slightly. I now realize what this actually is. I am surprised because I was not expecting it. The ice breaks. How could he? "Where are you from?" he says again. Further pause. He sees I am silent and still. He cottons on, I'm not playing his game, and whats the game anyway, for me to feel grateful, to have been given a seat at the table? Strangely he suddenly gives me the multiple choice "Crouch End?" worried he's overstepped the line that can be taken when playing this special game. Forget India and the Colonies. Well thats something at least. Relieved, I say "I'm from Turnpike Lane.", because I simply wish the game to end. And he replies, the final move to put me in my place "O, an adventurer".

He turns around, and leaves us alone. I can't remember the noises the audience made as they listened to this little micro-something or other. Later she tells me "You need to be better at dealing with this sort of thing.", "Yes, I know" I say.

Great selection of wine, delicious cheeses and cured meats, as well as deli. Very friendly people at the store and quick delivery.

Fabulous deli, wine bar, eatery with beers to boot. Great selection of wine, drinks, cheeses and meats. Beautiful interior with a lovely outdoor area at the back. Staff are AMAZING and always make you feel welcome

We might have finally found our ‘regular’ wine bar - nice location, passionate staff, super interesting, handpicked selection of wines. It’s not cheap, but value for money is there so we left very happy and looking forward to return.

Disappointing wine tasting we expected more for the price. The overall experience did not feel much like an event it felt as though we were interrupting the staff doing their clear up despite booking weeks in advance. We would have liked more of a welcome as the staff did not greet us on entry. Also more of a breakdown of each wine would be appreciated with the staff member being engaging and taking more time to explain and leave room for questions. The cheese and charcuterie pairing was tiny for the number of guests again we would have expected more. I would not recommend the wine tasting though the wine was ok.