Berry Bros. & Rudd

Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, dating from 1698 and still trading from the same shop.

Apart from selling fine wines, they also hold regular cellar luncheons and dinners. When I attended cellar lunches a few years ago, I had no idea that the future Napoleon the Third had, for a decade before the Revolutions of 1848, been using these same atmospheric vaults to plot his return to France.

The lunches provided precisely cooked, wine-friendly dishes in an intimate, historic setting. Even more memorable were the wine-tastings before the meals. Each was led by an expert who was knowledgeable but not intimidating. The chance to compare, for instance, French with New World chardonnays was an education for the palate.

Current ticket prices range from £125 to £295, and you have to plan and book well in advance. However, it's certainly an experience worth paying for, particularly if you appreciate fine wines.

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00
Sat 10.00-17.00

Photos kindly provided by Berry Bros. & Rudd. Text written by a good friend.