BY SCARLET ACKETTS
Tucked down a quiet alley just moments from Liverpool Street Station, Humble Grape feels like a little escape from the rush of the City. We came for lunch and ended up staying far longer than planned – the kind of relaxed afternoon where one glass of wine leads naturally to another.
The team immediately set the tone. Friendly, welcoming and clearly passionate about wine, they talked us through the list with ease. With more than 500 organic, biodynamic and low-intervention bottles sourced from independent vineyards – the choice is huge, but they make it feel simple and fun rather than overwhelming.
First things first – wine. We asked for a recommendation and happily went along with the team’s suggestion: the Domaine Saint Honorat Blanc Côtes du Rhône. Known for its organic production, it struck a lovely balance between richness and freshness and turned out to be the perfect companion for our meal – easy to drink and especially good with the fish we ordered later.
We started with Gordal olives, which were juicy, meaty and dangerously easy to keep eating while deciding on the rest of the menu.
The seared octopus with chorizo, wild garlic aioli and chorizo crumb quickly became my favourite dish of the meal. The octopus was incredibly tender, and the saltiness of the chorizo worked perfectly with it. Every bite had loads of flavour and it was one of those plates you’re tempted to order again straight away.
Alongside it, the crispy chicken thigh with fermented chilli and grape sauce and spring slaw was packed with flavour. The skin had the perfect crunch while the meat stayed juicy, and the sauce added just the right amount of kick.
For mains, we ordered the British grass-fed sirloin with watercress and pickled shallot, cooked medium rare exactly as requested. Tender, well seasoned and full of flavour, with the pickled shallots adding a sharp contrast to the richness of the meat.
The seared cod with courgette purée, white wine emulsion and wild garlic aioli was honestly the best cod I’ve ever had. The fish was soft and delicate with crisp skin on top, and the buttery sauce with the smooth purée made the perfect combination– especially when we started dipping our fries into it.
We shared fries and a fresh salad with the mains, both made with really good ingredients. It’s clear that freshness matters here and that care goes into everything coming out of the small, but incredibly impressive kitchen.
Dessert kept the relaxed mood going. The rhubarb Swiss roll was light and not overly sweet – while the hazelnut cream with raspberry coulis was richer but nicely balanced by the sharp raspberry.
By the end, what was meant to be a quick lunch had turned into a proper long one – good food, great wine and the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer. And with Humble Grape also hosting regular wine tastings, it’s safe to say we’ll be back soon to try one of those.
As a lovely bonus, every Monday, all bottles from the wine shop are available at take-away prices – and you can drink them at the bar. The perfect reason to gather your crew for Women’s History month and raise a glass – cheers to that!
humblegrape.co.uk
8 Devonshire Row, London, EC2M 4RH