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40 Maltby Street
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
rusticwine-focusedno-frills
About the Vibe
Tucked into a railway arch on the St John's Estate, 40 Maltby Street is the kind of place where you show up early and hope for a stool. It started as a natural wine shop and grew into a no-nonsense bar-kitchen that's become a Southwark institution. The vibe is all about the wine list—think biodynamic Beaujolais, pét-nats, and Slovenian whites you've never heard of but will swear by. Food is simple but serious: think baked ham with whey butter, terrines, and small plates that change daily. No reservations, so come hungry and be ready to stand or squeeze in.
Known For
- •natural wine selection
- •baked ham with whey butter
- •daily changing small plates
- •Michelin-starred chef
Best For
weekend lunchwine tastingcasual dinner
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 11, 2026
A wine lover's no-frills gem in Southwark
40 Maltby Street is the real deal—a wine bar that takes its bottles seriously but doesn't take itself too seriously. The setting is pure Southwark: railway arches, trains rumbling overhead, and a DIY aesthetic that somehow works. You'll find yourself drawn to the blackboard menu, which changes daily and is always full of tempting small plates. The baked ham is legendary—get it with the whey butter and some crusty bread, and you'll understand why people line up.
The wine list is where this place truly shines. Co-owner Raef Hodgson knows his stuff, and if you're unsure, just ask. You might end up with a Slovenian white that changes your life. The food is simple but executed with precision—head chef Stephen Williams brings Michelin-level skills to a no-frills menu. It's not fancy, but it's honest and delicious.
It can get crowded, especially on Saturday lunch when the market is buzzing outside. There are no reservations, so come early or be prepared to wait. Dress warmly in winter—the place can be drafty. But if you're after a genuine London wine bar experience with great food and zero pretension, this is it.