London's original wine bar, opened in 1964 by John Davy under a rare Free Vintners' license dating back to 1567 — meaning it's one of the only places in Britain that could sell wine without a conventional alcohol licence. Tucked away on a quiet side street near Borough Market, it's all Dickensian wood-paneling, low ceilings, and old-world charm that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a private members' club. The kind of place where the wine list is serious, the scotch eggs are legendary, and most Borough Market crowds walk right past without noticing it.
A 1964 wine bar with a 1567 Free Vintners' license, Dickensian wood-paneling, and a serious Old World cellar hidden just off Borough Market.
Tucked on a quiet side street off Borough Market — look for Redcross Way, not the main drag, or you'll walk right past it.
London's original wine bar — history in every glass
The Boot & Flogger is the kind of place that makes you forget you're in 21st-century London. Opened in 1964 by John Davy, it holds a rare Free Vintners' license — a privilege granted by the Worshipful Company of Vintners under a charter from Queen Elizabeth I — which made it the blueprint for every wine bar that followed. The interior is all dark wood, low beams, and nooks that feel like a private members' club from another era. Reviewers consistently praise the atmosphere as "Dickensian" and note that it's a welcome escape from the chaos of nearby Borough Market.
The wine list is the star here — Old World classics by the glass and bottle, with some rare vintages on the fine wine list for those who want to go deep. But the food holds its own too: the scotch eggs and steak pie get repeat mentions in reviews, and the truffle mac and cheese has its fans. Service is frequently described as professional and knowledgeable — staff who actually know the wine they're pouring, which shouldn't be rare but is.
It's not perfect — some reviewers find it quiet on weeknights, and the traditional British menu won't blow anyone seeking modern cuisine away. But that's not the point. This is a place to settle in with a good bottle, order something hearty, and enjoy the sort of atmosphere that simply doesn't exist in newer spots. The fact that most Borough Market visitors walk right past it is, frankly, part of the appeal.