Restaurants in Bank can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Smart suits, speedy lunches and people rushing between meetings. Yet Humble Grape Bow Lane feels like the complete opposite. Tucked just off the main street beneath St Mary le Bow Church, the restaurant sits inside the church’s historic crypt and feels like a little secret hidden beneath the City.
The crypt itself dates back to the 11th century, and is part of the church rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London. It’s right among the hustle and bustle, yet step downstairs and you quickly forget about the city chaos above. Stone arches, candlelit tables and low lighting create an atmosphere that feels calm, intimate and quietly cool.
Wine is naturally what Humble Grape does best. In fact, it is the only wine bar in London that imports its own wines, building a portfolio of more than 500 bottles sourced from 26 different countries. Many come from small, family-run vineyards specialising in organic and low-intervention winemaking. By importing directly, the team has developed close relationships with producers and can share the stories behind each bottle, helping guests discover a glass they genuinely enjoy.
That approach really comes through in the service. Rather than simply handing us a wine list, our waiter asked what we usually drink and what we were thinking of ordering, before suggesting a few options he thought we might enjoy.
While I opted for a glass of Champagne, my boyfriend went for an Italian Sangiovese recommended by the team. He tends to prefer something stronger and more textured, and it turned out to be exactly the right match.
The food menu had only just launched at the beginning of March when we visited, so everything felt fresh, colourful and very seasonal. Designed for sharing, we began with asparagus topped with a crispy sesame egg, blistered padron peppers finished with smoky citrus salt, and pillow-like potato sourdough served with labneh.
For mains we ordered the British grass fed sirloin, cooked medium rare exactly as requested. Juicy and beautifully seasoned, it arrived with peppery watercress that cut nicely through the richness of the meat.
To go alongside it we chose the mustard dressed spring salad which had that simple, refreshing quality you often find in a relaxed French bistro. Light leaves with just enough dressing to bring everything together. Naturally we couldn’t resist adding rosemary chips with garlic salt to complete our steak-frites pairing.
For something lighter we also tried the seared cod with courgette purée and a white wine sauce. It was cooked perfectly and flaked apart the moment we touched it. Light, delicate and packed with bright spring flavours.
To finish, we shared freshly baked madeleines served warm with lemon curd. It’s one of those desserts you rarely see done properly in the UK but always wish you did. Soft, buttery and fragrant, they felt like the perfect light ending to the meal.
Dining in a candlelit crypt beneath one of the City’s oldest churches isn’t something you come across every day, which is exactly what makes Humble Grape Bow Lane feel so memorable. Looking around the room, it was clear the atmosphere works. Tables nearby were a mix of couples on date night, colleagues unwinding after work and friends gossiping over bottles of wine.
Safe to say we’ll be back. Book here.