The 10 Cases

This smart little metropolitan bistro is a real draw for wine lovers, thanks to a policy of fair mark-ups that even extends to fine wines and fizz: £37 for a bottle of Moët is the cheapest we’ve found among the tourist traps of Covent Garden. What’s more, the restaurant stocks only 10 cases of the 10 reds and 10 whites on its list – before moving on to 10 new options. With everything available by the glass, why not indulge in a spot of food matching: the day’s chalked-up menu features unpretentious, well-sourced choices along the lines of snails on toast, full-flavoured goats’ cheese and red onion tart (served warm with an oven-roasted fig), or juicy Barnsley lamb chop with a side of buttery cavolo nero. Readers also appreciate the ‘fun atmosphere’ and ‘extremely efficient service’.

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the 10 Cases is a wine bar with a selection of beautiful, modern European dishes that are served with handpicked bottles. The idea behind 10 Cases is that any wine is only available until 10 cases are gone – as the team don’t ever order any more than that. All wine options are available to order by the glass, carafe or bottle, which are paired with continuously changing dishes that are relaxed yet refined.

From the Bistrot à Vin menu, order a selection of small plates, including the padron peppers and togarashi, Keen's cheddar gougères and fried cod cheeks with curry mayo. Starters include the chilled roasted red pepper soup with smoked almonds and espelette, a ham hock and parsley terrine with dijon mustard, and sea bass crudo with tiger's milk, cucumber and coriander. Bigger plates include the ragout of summer vegetables with chickpeas and saffron mayo, the chalk stream trout with roasted fennel, sauce vierge and lovage emulsion, and chicken supreme with gnocchi, petits pois à la française and pea shoot salad. Of course, the classic steak frites with peppercorn sauce is on the menu. Polishing things off are the desserts which include a light white chocolate and mascarpone mousse with pistachio and elderflower, and honey panna cotta with roasted apricots.

There is a great list of sparkling wines on the Cave à Vin menu, including Michel Gonet Champagne Extra Brut Vindey Montgueux NV and a luxurious bottle of 1976 Deutz Vintage Brut.