The discerning drinker: local wine shops
Small shops' role as the backbone of London's neighbourhoods has been highlighted by the riots.
But they're a diverse bunch, as suggested by the remarkable blossoming of independent wine shops in out-of-the-way areas. Fortunately the following - all independent and outside Zone 1 - were unaffected by the riots, despite trouble coming uncomfortably close to several. Visit them: they all boast more wines that I'd actually like to try than almost any of the supermarkets, with personal advice from knowledgeable staff.
Green and Blue (38 Lordship Lane, SE22, greenandbluewines.com). This East Dulwich store has a terrific selection, specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural producers. Lovely bar, too.
Highbury Vintners (71 Highbury Park, N5, highburyvintners.co.uk) is one of the larger independents, stocking a huge range from a large number of importers.
Bottle Apostle (95 Lauriston Road, E9, bottleapostle.com) in Hackney's Victoria Park village has established an enviable reputation in the two years it's been open. Thirty-two wines to taste.
Philglas & Swiggot (21 Northcote Road, SW11). The foodie paradise that is Battersea's Northcote Road miraculously escaped the destruction in nearby Clapham Junction. Great selection (branches in Richmond and Marylebone, too.)
Theatre of Wine (75 Trafalgar Road, SE10, and 124 Junction Road, N19, theatreofwine.com). Daniel Illsley's passion for wine shines through at his fine Greenwich and Tufnell Park stores.
The Wine Tasting Shop (18 Hildreth Street, SW12, thewinetastingshop.co.uk). This new shop off Balham High Road has particularly good champagnes, and a couple of dozen wines to taste.
