Vats is an old fashioned bar serving a variety of English dishes and classic French wines. They have an outdoor terraced area and can cater for private parties of up to 70 people.
Vats Wine Bar
Bar in Bloomsbury
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No longer at this address
Our records show that Vats Wine Bar is closed.
Address
51 Lambs Conduit Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1N 3NG
51 Lambs Conduit Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1N 3NG
Region
Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury
Category
Bars
Bars
All In London Review
A comfortable, traditional wine bar with a reasonable choice of food...
Whilst it would have been nice to sit at one of the outside tables admiring the trellises and numerous signs all over the large panel windows, my colleagues were already ensconced at a table right just inside – so we could still see the world go by if we wished. A jug of tap water and an ice bucket with a rather welcome bottle of Sauvignon (Domaine Bergon 2008 - £18.50) was already on the table.
Whilst there was four of us, we weren’t there for dinner but the Dips and Dunks platter (£13.50) did the trick – grilled crusty bread, warmed slivers of pitta bread, dishes of olive tapenade, sunblushed tomato and feta cheese and mango/cucumber salsa were supported by smaller dips of oils (chilli and mixed fresh herb – you could certainly taste the basil). They replenished the grilled bread without prompting. Other platters (£16) include charcuteries and fish and chips (includes wedges, tempura prawns, plaice goujons and calamari rings).
The menu changes regularly, and the owners (from Sussex) appear to source many foods locally. Also available was home cooked ham terrine (£6.50), mixed seafood gratin (£10.50), Madeira sautéed lambs kidneys (£7.50), Duck, beansprout and coriander parcel and chargrilled breast of wood pigeon (£8.95). Amongst the mains selection was salmon, crayfish and smoked haddock fishcake (£12.50), wild venison (variable price) and, strangely, “Winstons” fillet of red snapper with a French Caribbean sauce. So there’s a bias to game. As you would expect, there is a fairly extensive wine list – but I am afraid I am no expert so can’t tell whether it’s a particularly great selection.
And if you don’t fancy eating here then it is right across from Cigala which is reported to be a very good Spanish restaurant and tapas bar (it’s on my list to review).
The interior is traditional and homey and it felt casual and unrushed when we were there – not stuffy at all. Round wooden and rectangular tables, plain (perhaps a little tired) décor and lots of indications of being serious about wine (wine events, wine books etc). However, I must admit I was terrified when I went to the loos by the narrow spiral staircase – and the downstairs area was really rather rough. My only (minor) whinge is that on all occasions when we wanted to order more food or drinks it was a bit of a challenge to get the attention of the staff – and even when you had their attention, they always delayed getting over to you. And it wasn’t hugely busy when we were there.
Anyway, we were so content there that time slipped by and before we realised nearly three hours had passed. So, if you like comfortable traditional wine bars with a reasonable choice of food – it would be a safe (but uninspired) choice whether for business or social. They also appear to do a reasonable trade in private functions – in the back room/restaurant - and there is a private dining room for 12 although I didn’t check that area out.
Reviewed by KimT
Published on Jul 31, 2009
User Reviews
Mr Jones
Aug 31, 2012
Just aweful - we went on a friday night about 8pm and were whisked to the back where it was empty. Ordered the special Haddock and chips from the chalk board (no price listed). When the bill came we learnt we'd been charge £16.50 each for this deeply mediocre meal. Won't be back, suggest you avoid
pantingdogs
Dec 21, 2010
Visited Vats last week for Christmas lunch with old friends. Pre-ordered a three course meal for £30 set price. The starter of mushrooms on ciabatta style toast was bland but acceptable, the main course was a lamb dish best described as a traditional 'roast', however not described as such on the pre-order menu otherwise I would not have ordered it. The roast potatoes (2) were small and without flavour, almost oval in shape and therefore not permitting crispy edges. The slab of meat was overcooked and not remotely pink as I would have expected and the jus was thin and not benefiting from the meat juices you would expect from the cooking pan. The trouble with presenting customers with a roast lunch dish is that you are setting yourself up for comparisons with home cooked food 'like mother or grandmother used to make' and to not serve crispy roast potatoes of beautifully prepared pink juicy Lamb is a disappointment just waiting to happen. The cheese course was...well..cheese, a small portion of Brie,Stilton and Chedder and was acceptable. The four of us shared one bottle of red and one bottle of sparkling water, with two of us having coffee to finish. This in addition to couple of glasses of wine ordered at the bar before the meal, came to £203. Four diners @ £30 comes to £120...therefore the wine, water and coffee came to £83. In summary, expensive lunch @ £50 per head, food average at best...overall 4/10.
Mondo
Nov 2, 2006
Friendly wine bar that serves 1st class food. Both very reasonably proced. Old fashioned feel about the bar, that makes any stay very worthwhile. Well worth a visit for anyone in the area.