Time was when wine bars seemed to be in recession, but Davy's have put that right. With 32 wine bars, most in the centre of London, offering a dazzling choice of refreshment well supported by quality food, this is an equation not to be missed. Situated just around the corner from Paddington Station and the Tube, the general bonhomie of wine lovers congregating at Gyngleboy's candle-lit interior vividly reflects its popularity.

The kitchen celebrates traditional English cooking with dishes like potted shrimps served with toast, Scottish salmon and chicken liver pâté. Diners have certainly come to appreciate a plate of rare topside of cold beef, naturally reared and aged for 28 days by the famous Donald Russell butchers, while hand-carved Alderton ham also makes a genuine bid for attention.

Gyngleboy is a great place for parties, and you could buy their wine online or over the counter, no frills and furbelows, just stacks of character and dozens of wonderful wines by glass or bottle.