Smithy's Wine Bar

An unexpected surprise, located in a King’s Cross backstreet you never knew existed, yet still only a five-minute walk from the tube, this wine-bar-cum-restaurant offers a well-stocked cellar, thoughtful refined dining and a welcoming atmosphere to match. Food-wise, Smithy’s modern European menu displays a robust Gallic inflection. Some superbly light gnocchi with rocket, cherry tomatoes and chilli stood up well against a tender baby chicken wrapped in bacon. Either tuck into the excellent wine list (their deliciously blackcurranty Rioja gets full marks), or choose from the admirable assortment of well-kept larger and real ale, or have them mix you up a cocktail. The brandy blazer – a comforting muddle of cognac, Chambord, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves and berries – is a tempting post-dinner treat. Like the blazer, the Burgundy-painted walls and candles on every table add a warm glow to the antique interior of this former blacksmith’s forge. Underfoot lies the orignal cobbled floor, whilst overhead stripped air ducts provide a stylish nod to modernity. The lively after-work crowd happily fills the bar, whilst diners have a large room all to themselves. Since new management took over in 2006, Smithy’s has quietly become an unassuming success.