Davy's at St James's, London

The entrance to this westernmost branch of Davy's, the predominantly City-based chain of wine bars, can be found in the archway at the entrance to Crown Passage on King Street. The labyrinthine basement establishment, formerly the Crown Passage Vaults, has a long narrow drinking area in front of the bar, intimate dining tables beyond and small separate rooms at either end as well as a formal dining room for functions on the ground floor above. Stone flagged floors, dark wood fittings, bottle racks and candlelight make this an attractive dive, with an emphasis is on food and wine.

The ale, branded "Davy's Old Wallop", used to be cask pre-pandemic but has now become keg along with one or two other beers and a keg cider. The barmen, traditionally dressed in white shirts and ties, offer an efficient and helpful service to a largely besuited clientele. There is an attractive food offering and the prices, and those for the beverages, are reasonable for the area. As well as the main dining menu there is a separate bar menu of small plates and sharing platters.

As one would expect in such an establishment, the venue offers a cork recycling service!