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Apparently there are 67 wine-producing countries and then this place, the 68th.
Soho’s latest hotspot is at 5 Greek Street with a ground floor bar called 68 and late-night cocktail bar, Boston, on the first floor. The intriguingly named 68 and Boston has been put together by leading names in night life, wines and cocktails: Eric Yu of The Breakfast Group, whose other successful West End ventures include Opium and The Social; Martin Malley, co-owner of Planet of the Grapes and wants to see a wine bar like this on every high street; and Luca Cordiglieri, formerly bar manager at China Tang at The Dorchester.
The all-day-to-night wine bar features a list of quality wines, all priced at £20 per bottle. The late night cocktail bar will offer classic cocktails and original wine-based drinks from £10.
this is the ground floor bar at 68 and Boston
a busy night at 68
Thankfully it’s not a dreaded “Soho members’ club” so simply walk in – there was a very nice receptionist there the night we went, or you can book ahead so you won’t be left hanging around outside if it’s busy.
not a member’s club
5 Greek Street Soho London
It’s in the spot where Green Carnation bloomed for a while at the end of Greek Street near Soho Square.
Wines are pitched at “friendly” prices, there’ll be impromptu ‘wines of the week’ so there’ll be plenty of gems from unexpected regions. We had some melony bubbles of the Vetriano Prosecco, a very quaffable Finca Terra Chardonnay 2014 with the roundness and length of Viognier and decent El Monstruo de las Montañas Malbec Bonarda 2014 on our visit. There’ll also be wines on tap which helps save on typical bottling and are more environmentally friendly.
Finca Terra Chardonnay/Viognier 2014, Argentina
The nice design touches are the silver tray tables by the bar, but the seats in the booths were a bit low – it’s awkward enough trying to stand up anyway after a good bottle of wine.
The wine bar has a capacity of 160, including two bookable arched booths for groups of 12 to 20.
Star of the show is the warm and generous, fabulous Denise Medrano aka wine blogger The Wine Sleuth who is known for her knowledgeable, down-to earth approach to enjoying wine.
Up some narrow, steep steps is Boston – the first floor cocktail bar for a suaver feel with the bartenders in white tuxedos.
your usual, sir?
The prized seats are near the corner bar or in the wood-panelled private room tucked behind heavy drapes. Here it’s wine-based cocktails such as vermouths, sherry, riesling, white port or malbec with premium spirits and homemade infusions.
A culinary collaboration with a neighbour restaurant offers small plates designed to partner the wines there’s a bit of mark-up here, but with the right choice you are saving on the wine.
There is a quirky reference to the famed Waiters’ Race up in the loos on the third floor – which finished in Greek Street from 1955. It’s very much alive and well and we enjoyed seeing it this year.
Don’t spill a drop!
the race in 2015
Soho Waiters Race 2015
As is the advice to the waiters in the Soho race – run don’t walk!
Opening hours 68 and Boston is open daily.
68 – from 12 noon for wine. Boston – from 5pm for cocktails. Monday & Sunday open until midnight, Tuesday & Wednesday until 1am, Thursday, Friday & Saturday until 2.30am (last orders). Reservations by email: info@68andboston.com
Great for a second date or a catch up with friends. Fun and friendly.
68 and Boston, 5 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 4DD.
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