Smithfields’ Vinoteca opens second wine bar in Marylebone

The 2,600 sq ft venue at Seymour Place is larger than the original site in St John Street, but it will follow a similar concept.

“For both sites, we wanted a comfortable and relaxing wine bar that also serves food and is also a wine shop,” explained co-owner Charlie Young.  Inspired by the wine bars of Spain and Italy, the aim is to offer good value at reasonable prices, he said.

Wine​

The wine lists at both venues will be similar, featuring around 280 different wines that can be either bought in the shop or consumed in the bar at a slightly higher price.

“We work on a sliding scale cash margin, which means that we add a certain reasonable amount to the shop price for the wines consumed on the premises.  This makes it good value for money for our customers, and also means we’re constantly renewing our stock,” said Young.

Wines range from under £20 a bottle to up to £200, although the majority are in the lower price bracket.  Vinoteca changes 70 wines on its wine list twice a year, which keeps the offering dynamic and keeps punters interested.

Menu​

The food at both venues is British with European influences. “It’s simple and rustic, but good quality and seasonal,” said Young.

Head chef at the Seymour Place Vinoteca will be William Leigh, who has previously worked with Rowley Leigh of Le Café Anglais. 

One dish – the popular Bevette with chips – has been carried over from St John Street, where John Murray is head chef.  However, all other dishes will be new and created by Leigh.

The menu will follow a similar format to that of the fist site, with a limited number of dishes served each day – around six starters, six mains and five puddings.  This makes the menu easier to manage and turn over, as both venues have a relatively small open-plan kitchen.

Every day at least one item on the menu changes, which keeps it interesting for regular customers, and also keeps it seasonal.

Seymour Place​

Located near the popular shopping areas of Oxford Street, Bond Street and Marylebone High Street, the new venue seats about 60 people, making it around one third bigger than the original site.

Founders Charlie Young and Brett Woonton have secured a 20-year lease on the previously unoccupied space. 
Josh Leon of DCL, who acted on behalf of landlord The Portman Estate in the letting to Vinoteca, said: “Smithfields and Marylebone are poles apart in many senses but the business idea is simple, well executed and with wide appeal so there’s no doubt that Charlie’s and Brett’s passion will shine through to a new fan base.”