October 5, 2026
Soho has long been one of London's busiest drinking districts. Pubs and cocktail bars fill its narrow streets. Over the past decade a quieter scene has grown beside them. Small wine bars now pour natural and low-intervention bottles with seasonal food.
Bar Crispin is one of them. It sits on Kingly Street in Carnaby. The bar is pocket-sized and the wine list rewards curiosity. The kitchen cooks to match.
The list is mostly European. It favours producers who farm organically or biodynamically. The wines aim to reflect where the grapes grow. Rare varieties get particular attention.
The Loire brings fresh whites and light reds. Beaujolais covers juicy, easy-drinking gamay. Savoie adds alpine whites with a mineral edge. The Jura brings oxidative styles that suit food well.
Volcanic wines from Tenerife, Sicily and Greece have a wilder character. Try one if you want something you won't see on most lists.
The merchants are independent so the list keeps changing. Some bottles arrive in small amounts. Once they sell out they're gone.
You may learn more about how these wines are made in our natural wine guide.
The menu is snack-led and changes with the season. It suits a quick glass after work. It also suits a long Friday lunch that runs into the evening.
Start with a Comté croquette and pickled walnut ketchup. Fried olives and sourdough with brown butter keep the table going while you pick a bottle. The fries with confit garlic mayonnaise have their own following.
Lighter plates follow the late summer produce. Watermelon and tomato salad comes with feta. Tuna carpaccio gets chilli and finger lime. Marinated sardines pair well with a crisp white.
Larger plates bring more weight. Lamb skewers arrive with labneh and smoked cucumber. Spaghetti alla Nerano is rich and comforting. Fried cod sits in a tartare beurre blanc.
Chocolate crémeux with olive oil and sea salt makes a good finish. It works well with a glass from the Jura.
Order a few plates and share them across the table.
You may learn more about the dishes regulars order in our guide to what to order at Bar Crispin.
The main room is small and relaxed. A terrace opens for warmer evenings. The bar fills quickly after work so booking helps. Tables for up to six can be reserved on the Bar Crispin page.
The Green Room is a private cellar dining room for 14 guests. It suits birthdays and wine tastings. Menus run from canapés to full feasting dinners. Each can be paired with wine from the cellar.
Bigger events can be catered off site. Crispin Events covers working lunches and corporate dinners. Drinks receptions and weddings are covered too. You may learn more on our catering and events page.
Bar Crispin is open seven days a week. Monday to Saturday runs from 12pm to 9:30pm. Sunday runs from 1pm to 9pm. The address is 19 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PY.
