Review: Humble Grape Islington
The wine gets you through the door; the small plates are the surprise you’ll be thinking about long after.
July 2026
Strolling down Upper Street, you’re never short of somewhere to eat or drink. From proper pubs and cosy cafés to buzzing restaurants and sleek wine bars, Islington is packed with noteworthy spots – and working your way through them all could take years.
Of course, that’s also the problem. With so much choice, deciding where to visit can feel almost impossible.
I’ve got a handful of go-to spots in the area, but one name that had been sitting on my ever-growing list of London wine bars was Humble Grape Islington. I’d visited before for a wine tasting and, if I’m honest, had mentally filed it under “excellent wine, lovely atmosphere, will definitely be back soon”. I’d been so caught up in discovering new wines that I’d forgotten such a big part of Humble Grape even existed.
The food.
This time, though, I wasn’t there just to swirl, sniff and scribble tasting notes (although, admittedly, that was still a big part of the trip). I was there to experience Humble Grape properly – food and all – and quickly realised I’d been overlooking a side of the venue that deserves just as much attention.
A warm welcome
The first thing that struck me about my visit to Humble Grape wasn’t the wine. It was the welcome. We were greeted with a handshake before being taken to our table near the main bar area. It was a small gesture, but one that immediately made the evening feel more personal.
Wine bars can sometimes have a reputation for feeling a little exclusive – somewhere you’re expected to know your Syrah from your Sangiovese before you’ve even opened the menu. Humble Grape couldn’t have felt further from that. Instead, the team were chatty, genuinely interested in helping us find something we’d enjoy, and more than happy to explain the menu without ever making us feel like we should already know the answers.
The wine
Having already visited Humble Grape for one of their self-guided wine tastings, I knew the wine selection would be impressive. What I hadn’t fully appreciated was the thought behind the wine list. The team works with independent winemakers from around the world, championing producers who prioritise sustainable practices and craft wines you won’t necessarily find on every other wine list.
I started with the Mitre’s Edge, a soft and fruit-forward South African Viognier, which Humble Grape perfectly describes as having “perfume and proper posture”. Crisp, floral and easy to drink, it was the perfect way to start the evening.
I followed it with something completely new to me: the Villa Melnik Aplauz Mavrud 2019 from Bulgaria. One of my favourite things about drinking wine at Humble Grape is how easy they make it to step outside your comfort zone. Their creative, easy-to-understand tasting notes make it simple to choose a wine based on what you actually enjoy, rather than getting caught up in unfamiliar grape varieties or regions.
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Mavrud wasn’t a grape I’d come across before, but that’s exactly the point. Full-bodied and packed with ripe blackberries, cherries and warming baking spices, it was rich without feeling too heavy and, more importantly, introduced me to a wine I’d probably never have ordered elsewhere.
Small plates and sharing dishes
The wine might be the headline act at Humble Grape, but the food is far from an afterthought. Built around small plates, sharing dishes and seasonal mains, the menu encourages the same sense of exploration as the wine list.
Say what you want about small plates menus – “they’re overdone”, “you can’t move for small plates menus nowadays”, “the portions are never big enough, are they?” – I’m going to stop you right there. I, for one, love a proper, well-done small plates menu. Yes, some places really overcharge for sad, limp calamari, or a salad that’s mostly lettuce, but when done right, small plates are an absolute joy. They’re a chance to explore a little bit of everything and make a simple dinner a real tasting experience – akin to that of a wine tasting.
And Humble Grape? They prove that, sometimes, small plates just work.
The Burrata with braised leeks, preserved lemon and burnt leek oil (£16) was an immediate favourite. Never underestimate the power of a leek. Earthy, slightly herbal and beautifully lifted by the citrus kick of preserved lemon, the leeks alone could have carried the dish. The creamy burrata on top simply took it to another level.
The Crispy Chicken Thigh (£12.50) was another standout — think rotisserie chicken, but with even crispier skin and impossibly tender meat. Served with salt flakes, a refreshing slaw and a tangy chilli and grape sauce, it was comfort food with a little extra personality.
The Crispy Cauliflower (£11.50) was a veggie joy with a kick of lime aioli and chilli ketchup to warm things up. The cauliflower was perfectly crisp, and the sauces brought a lovely tang to cut through the light batter. And the Salmon Mosaic (£13) brought something lighter to the table. Paired with pea gazpacho, dill, radish and preserved lemon, it was bright, fresh and just the kind of dish you need on a warm summer evening.
More than just a wine bar
If you’re someone who usually feels a little intimidated by wine bars, Humble Grape Islington might just change your mind. While there’s no denying the wine is the star of the show, it’s the approachable atmosphere, genuinely lovely team and brilliant food menu that make the whole experience work.
Whether you’re confident ordering from a wine list or someone who usually has no idea where to start, Humble Grape strikes the perfect balance between being knowledgeable and approachable.
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