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Plume Wine Bar

Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.

4.7

Nestled in Charles Dickens' former publishing offices in Covent Garden, Plume Wine Bar captivates with its two-level charm: a bright rococo-inspired salon upstairs and a dimly lit speakeasy cavern below. Specializing in global sparkling wines excluding Champagne, it offers an atlas-guided selection of crémants, Italian bubbles, English fizz, and rare finds from Japan to Brazil. Pair them with sharing plates like cheese boards, cured meats, parmesan fries, baked camembert, and inventive chips. The intimate setting fosters connection, complete with a unique 'PidgeonMail' note-passing system to strangers.

A brief summary to Plume Wine Bar

  • 26 Wellington St, London, WC2E 7DD, GB
  • +442039484900
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-11:30 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-11:30 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-9 pm

Local tips

  • Opt for the Wine Atlas by-the-glass selections to sample rare sparklers without committing to a bottle.
  • Try the Mount Plume Chips—Everest or Alps—for addictive, shareable flavors that pair perfectly with fizz.
  • Use PidgeonMail downstairs to connect with fellow patrons; it's a fun icebreaker in the speakeasy.
  • Reserve ahead for peak theatre evenings, especially for basement tables near the fireplace.
  • Pair cheese boards with sommelier recommendations for an elevated, exploratory tasting experience.
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Discover more about Plume Wine Bar

Dickens' Literary Legacy

Plume occupies the historic 1860s offices where Charles Dickens once oversaw his publishing empire, infusing the space with Victorian intrigue. The building at 26 Wellington Street stands as a quiet testament to London's literary past, its walls whispering tales from an era of serialization and storytelling. Today, this heritage site transforms into a wine haven, blending 19th-century authenticity with modern indulgence. Upstairs, large picture windows frame the bustling Covent Garden scene, while rococo details and artful masks create a whimsical salon atmosphere. Descend the stairs to the basement lounge, evoking a post-punk Dickensian hideaway with plum-hued walls, Edison bulbs, and a black fireplace adorned with eclectic frames, including a striking Salvador Dalí portrait.

Global Sparkling Wine Odyssey

At Plume's heart lies the Wine Atlas, a leather-bound world map charting over 50 sparkling wines curated by owner Andrew Gray, a sparkling wine importer. Deliberately sidelining Champagne, the list spotlights elegant crémants from France, vibrant Italian prosecco alternatives, crisp English sparklers, and exotic gems like Japanese brut, Brazilian sparklers, Canadian cuvées, South African Krone Borealis, and nutty Austrian Grüner Veltliner. By-the-glass options invite exploration, guided by knowledgeable sommeliers who tailor pours to every palate. Unusual vintages from small producers add discovery—think Romanian orange wines, South African Syrah, or Loxwood Honey Wine—each sip a passport stamp in liquid form. Cocktails complement with creative twists, like the Smokey Gimlet, ensuring variety for fizz enthusiasts and novices alike.

Sharing Plates and Cheesy Delights

The compact kitchen crafts cold assemblies and small plates designed for communal savoring. Cheese boards feature local selections with ample bread and crackers, while cured meats offer charcuterie perfection. Standouts include baked camembert with honey, rosemary, and sourdough; artichoke pesto burrata; golden boy grilled cheese sandwiches; and fried courgette with pea purée, ricotta, and honey. Plume's signature Mount Plume Chips elevate snacking: Everest style with chaat spice, mango chutney, coconut raita, and crispy shallots, or Alps version topped with lemon garlic mayo, shaved parmesan, Aleppo pepper, and house ketchup. Flatbreads like spiced beef with yoghurt and chilli, or smoked aubergine with tahini and coconut yoghurt, provide hearty bites. Simpler starters—gordal olives, padron peppers, mixed nuts, bocconcini with garlic mayo—keep things light and shareable.

Speakeasy Social Rituals

Plume's basement speakeasy pulses with intimate energy, where dimly lit luxury meets playful interaction. The 'PidgeonMail' system lets patrons pass handwritten notes to strangers, sparking connections in this corner nook with feather-patterned wallpaper and bar stools. It's a nod to secretive Victorian correspondence, turning solo visits or dates into serendipitous encounters. Outdoor pavement seating under awnings offers people-watching in Covent Garden's theatre district, ideal for pre-show sips. The dual spaces cater to moods: bright and airy above for lunch or early drinks, cosy and cavernous below for lingering evenings. Full bar service, reservations, and private hire options make it versatile for pairs, groups, or celebrations.

Covent Garden Hideaway

Tucked amid Covent Garden's vibrancy, Plume provides a refined escape from street performers and shoppers. Open daily from noon (later on weekends), it bridges lunch, dinner, and late drinks, with extended Friday and Saturday hours until 11:30pm. Vegetarian and vegan options abound, from halloumi flatbreads to roasted carrot salads, ensuring inclusivity without compromising flavor.

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