Wine bottles on a shelf Wine bottles on a shelf

A new wine bar is opening inside an 11th-century London crypt

Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Jessica Dellow

Humble Grape has announced that its seventh London venue is set to open in November, located beneath the iconic Bow Bells, within the 11th-century crypt of St Mary-le-Bow on Cheapside. Yes, that's right, inside an actual crypt.

The crypt, with its original Norman arches and groined vaults, has been part of London's fabric for nearly a millennium. Rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire, the church above has long stood as a symbol of resilience and tradition. Now, the space below is set to become a hotspot for European sharing plates and more than 500 bottles of wine. Inside, it accommodates around 60 guests, with space for an additional 40 on the terrace, making it perfect for sunny alfresco dining.

Founder James Dawson describes the opening as "humbling and inspiring." Humble Grape has built a reputation on doing wine differently, importing directly from small, sustainable producers across 26 countries. Their team focuses on stripping away the pretension that can cling to wine culture and replacing it with playful tasting notes and staff who genuinely want to help you find something you'll love.

The Bow Lane outpost is part wine bar, part restaurant, and part shop, with a European-inspired menu designed for sharing. Think gooey baked Camembert, seasonal small plates, charcuterie boards, and steaks, all expertly paired with an ever-changing wine list.

With six other London locations already under their belt, this next move feels more than natural for Humble Grape. Humble Grape Bow Lane opens its doors in November 2025.

Send suggestion

Did we miss something in this article?

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.