La Grande Marque is a wine bar serving a selection of beers, wines and spirits. They also serve food at lunchtime.
La Grande Marque
Bar in The City
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All In London Review
A favourite for relaxed but respectable after work parties and receptions
On an imposing corner plot on Ludgate Hill (opposite the All in One, a stone’s throw from another favourite wine bar – Davy’s in Creed Lane - and next to a large US law firm’s offices) this was formerly a branch of Midland Bank and is now a Grade 2 listed building. It stood empty for two years during which time the landlord, The Crown Estates, with the help of English Heritage, restored and refurbished the building to its former glory, as envisaged by its architect, Thomas Edward Colcutt, who oversaw its completion in 1891.
It has a classy hall-like feel to it, with shiny floors, wood panelling, columns (take care on your way to the loos), a large walkaround central bar and a moulded ceiling. It looks rather imposing but is actually rather friendly. The staff are professional and quick to serve.
The place is a favourite for relaxed but respectable after work parties and receptions – and there is an extensive menu of nibbles that can be ordered in advance. The “available anytime” menu is a little restricted though with crisps, olives, thai peanuts, salami and chorizo, tortillas, cocktail sausages and cheese platters from £3 to £6.50. Plus there is an extensive range of sandwiches and some salads.
As you would expect, the wine selection is good – with red sections including claret, burgundy, Cote du Rhone, Italy and Spain (although I would like to see more classic Italian wines) and “the rest of the world”. Bottles start at a very reasonable £18 and there are many to choose from in the £20-£30 range. Considering the proximity to the City, the champagnes on offer are pretty good too – Joseph Perrier (£42-£52), Veuve Clicquot (£52-£68), Pol Roger (£55-60 - one of my favourites), Louis Roederer (£57-£220), Bollinger (£63-£80), Laurent Perrier (£63) and Krug (£200).
There is also a good selection of classic and long cocktails – all at the £6.75 with champagne cocktails from £9.50. There are also a couple of non alcoholic cocktails (from £2.50) if, for some reason, you are not drinking.
On my last visit, with a former colleague, we sat at a small dark wood table near the door and made swift work of a bottle of Pinot Grigio 2007 (Veneto, £18.60) – well, it was a warm day! Interestingly, we were the only girls in a bar that was practically bursting at the seams with well attired (not that many were in suits), attractive young men. Was this a one-off or is this a regular hiding place for this rare breed?
Reviewed by KimT
Published on Jul 22, 2009
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