Quick Sips: 56 West Smithfield

A Fabulous Little Wine Shop & Bar in Farringdon – Swanky Feel, Without the Price Tag

I was on the hunt for a low-key wine tasting spot to hang out with friends when I stumbled across 56 West Smithfield. With little time to spare, I quickly scanned the menu, noted the very reasonable prices (around £25 for four wines), and booked a table for seven. It was a bit of a gamble.

Barrels on the ceiling, surprisingly didn’t detract from the upscale atmosphere

I worried that my lack of research might result in a forgettable evening — but as soon as I arrived, I let out a little sigh (and even a soft “ooh, how cute!”). The place exuded charm. Easily walked past from the outside, but if you peek past the few people seated outdoors — reminiscent of a tucked-away Parisian bar — you’ll discover a warm, low-lit wine shop and bar, one wall stacked to the ceiling with bottles from a community of small-scale, independent wine-makers. Add rustic wooden floorboards and a ceiling covered in wine barrels, and you’ve got an atmosphere that’s both cozy and effortlessly wine-soaked.

We were led upstairs to the only larger table (though I believe there may be a separate private room available for booking), where we settled in around a long sofa and some plush chairs clustered around a coffee table. The wine list struck a perfect balance: curated without being overwhelming. Naturally, we opted for the wine flights — four of us chose the mixed selection, while two went for the Château de la Cimbé flight, made by the same producers who run the venue.

One thing I really appreciated about 56 West Smithfield was the flexibility in how seriously you could take the wine tasting. If you wanted a guided walk-through with a sommelier, that’s available to book on their website. But you could also just treat it like a relaxed bar — guide yourself or enjoy a glass or two at your own pace. The setting allows you to enjoy the wine on your terms: relaxed, curious, or committed — without an ounce of pretension.

Tasting notes for the Pinot Blanc Reserve

Each flight came with a tasting card offering detailed notes on each wine. I must admit I read the first one thoroughly, skimmed the second, and then let the evening carry me away (I'm working on this — how else will I become a wine expert?). Luckily, I snapped photos of all the wines I liked (which, let’s be honest, was all of them). My favourite? The cuvee. I had to order another glass after the flight, of course. Everyone picked their favourite to continue sipping, and we were all impressed by the overall quality, atmosphere, and service — especially for such an accessible price point.

Rosy cheeked on our third wine

We also ordered a cheese board toward the end of the evening — the classic wine pairing. My notes on it are admittedly lost to the night, but I do remember all of us raving about it between sips.

If you’re new to wine tasting or just want an enjoyable, unpretentious evening with genuinely lovely wine, I highly recommend 56 West Smithfield. It's relaxed yet refined — offering a thoughtful introduction to fantastic local and independent wines without ever making you feel out of your depth.