Tiny in name, tiny in size, but definitely not tiny on personality, Tiny Wine has just opened its doors on Foley Street in Fitzrovia — and it sounds like the sort of place that could very quickly become your new favourite “just one drink” spot.
Taking over the former Crudo site at 21 Foley Street, the latest venture from Maria Yanez and Carlos Socorro, founders of Crudo Cocina Latina, brings together two things Londoners take very seriously: good wine and excellent snacks. Add a generous helping of Latin American warmth and you’ve got the recipe for a seriously tempting neighbourhood hangout.
The space is a wonderfully bijou 200 square feet, but clever design means there’s plenty going on. The main bar has textured walls, soft arches and seating for 22, while a little wine shop area accommodates another 10 people. There are also outdoor tables for those moments when you want to sip something cold while watching Fitzrovia do its thing. And then there’s the secret downstairs room, which seats up to 16 for private dinners, tastings and celebrations.
But, naturally, the real star of the show is the wine. The list keeps things deliberately small, with around 50 bottles chosen from mostly natural and low-intervention producers. Expect a mix of familiar favourites, lesser-known grapes and interesting styles, with the selection changing seasonally. In other words, there’s always an excuse to pop back and see what’s new.
And you’ll want something to eat alongside that glass. The food is made for sharing, with plenty designed to be picked up and enjoyed with your hands. Think punchy ceviche, smoky octopus gildas, tapas and seriously appealing little bocadillos.
The Cubanito, packed with pulled pork, honey ham, cheese, Dijon mustard and pickles, sounds like exactly the kind of late-night sandwich we didn’t know we needed. Then there’s the Romeo & Julieta, pairing mozzarella, guava and rocoto for a sweet-salty Miami-inspired bite.
Drinks-wise, Tiny Wine isn’t stopping at vino either. There are tequila ginger spritzes, spicy margarita spritzes and mezcal negronis alongside beers and other classics.
Essentially, Tiny Wine is all about doing small things brilliantly: a tiny room, a short wine list, little plates and big flavours. Expect soft Latin beats, lively conversation, glasses being passed across tables and that dangerous feeling that you might as well stay for another one.
One glass? Probably. One glass and home? We wouldn’t bet on it.
Tiny Wine
21 Foley Street, London W1W 6DR
www.eatcrudo.com/tiny-wine
