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.
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
-
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.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Plume Wine Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Strand
0.1 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
Plaque: David Garrick
0.2 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Bow St
0.2 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.3 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
The Old Watch House
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A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
John Adam St & Adam St
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Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
Henry Fawcett Monument
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A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.4 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Cleopatra's Needle
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An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
Bomber Harris Memorial
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A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
St Clement Danes Church
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Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Waterloo Bridge
0.5 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
York Watergate
0.5 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Victoria Embankment Gardens
0.5 km
Explore the tranquility of Victoria Embankment Gardens, a beautiful park along the Thames offering stunning landscapes and historical landmarks in London.
Agatha Christie memorial
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A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Unmissable attractions to see
London Film Museum
0.1 km
Explore the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles in London’s vibrant Covent Garden hub.
Lyceum Theatre
0.1 km
Experience world-class West End theatre in the historic Lyceum Theatre, home to The Lion King and a jewel of London’s cultural scene.
Novello Theatre
0.1 km
A classic West End theatre on Aldwych, home to Mamma Mia! and a refined Edwardian auditorium with excellent sightlines and intimate charm.
Mamma Mia!
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Experience the joyous ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre, a timeless West End celebration of love and laughter.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
0.1 km
Experience London's oldest theatre site, where 350 years of theatrical history come alive in a stunning 1812 West End landmark.
London Transport Museum
0.1 km
Explore over 200 years of London’s transport history through iconic vehicles, interactive exhibits, and hidden underground tours in Covent Garden.
Jubilee Market
0.1 km
Historic Covent Garden market with antiques, crafts, and vibrant food stalls in a lively, iconic London setting.
Fortune Theatre
0.1 km
Experience intimate West End theatre magic at the historic Fortune Theatre, London’s charming post-WWI gem with a rich cultural legacy.
Music at Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant live music and rich cultural heritage at Covent Garden, London's iconic West End soundscape.
Aldwych Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless elegance and captivating performances at London’s historic Aldwych Theatre, a West End treasure with Art Deco charm.
Royal Ballet and Opera
0.2 km
Experience world-class ballet and opera in the historic and stunning Royal Opera House at London’s vibrant Covent Garden.
Bow Street Police Museum
0.2 km
Explore London’s pioneering policing history and iconic court cases at the Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice in Covent Garden.
Drury Lane Gardens
0.2 km
Discover a historic and tranquil pocket park in Covent Garden, blending Victorian heritage with modern play spaces in central London.
Covent Garden
0.2 km
Historic market piazza and cultural hotspot blending world-class theatre, vibrant street life, luxury shopping, and diverse dining in London’s West End.
Punch & Judy
0.2 km
Historic Covent Garden pub named after iconic puppet shows, blending lively atmosphere, traditional fare, and vibrant street views.
Essential places to dine
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Balthazar
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Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Chez Antoinette
0.2 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Sarastro
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.2 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Rules
0.2 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.3 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.3 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.3 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.3 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Margot
0.3 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Clos Maggiore
0.3 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.4 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Circus
0.4 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.1 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.2 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.2 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.3 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.3 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.4 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
The Store X
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A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Urban Outfitters
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Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Good
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Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Pop Boutique
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Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
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Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
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Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Twinings - The Strand
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Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Gifts of London
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Plume Wine Bar
0.0 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.0 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.1 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.1 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Crusting Pipe
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Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.2 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Beaufort Bar
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Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
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Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Upstairs At Rules
0.3 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
0.3 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.3 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.3 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Oriole
0.4 km
Oriole invites you on a captivating global cocktail journey in Covent Garden, blending exotic flavours, elegant ambiance, and live music.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.5 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
0.3 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Roxy
0.5 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.5 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Heaven
0.5 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.6 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.6 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Penthouse London
0.7 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Club49Soho
0.8 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
0.8 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Café de Paris
0.8 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
TSQ Club
0.9 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Luxe Club
0.9 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly