With its constantly changing wine list, The 10 Cases is a true gem for wine lovers. The concept is simple – only 10 cases of white wine and 10 cases of red wine is stocked so once they’re gone, they’re gone and it’s onto the next 10 cases. This makes for a carefully curated wine list that has impressively not seen the same wine listed twice in the 12 years that The 10 Cases has been open.
Opened in 2011 by old friends, Will Palmer and Ian Campbell, the pair were fed up by static, predictable and overpriced wine lists in London so the mission was to open a wine bar with a fairly priced, constantly changing, and unpretentious wine offering. The concept of the changing 10 cases of wine has meant that wine lovers continuously have a reason to pop by The 10 Cases to explore and sample the newest variation of their wine list, making each visit as exciting as the last. The 10 Cases is made up of two different spaces; Bistrot a Vin and Cave à Vin. The Bistrot is where the concept of the 10 cases of wine is used, whilst the Cave functions as a wine bar, shop and cellar with the two different spaces sharing a food menu.
In 2013, the team embarked on an expansion next door and Cave à Vin was born. This space differs from Bistrot a Vin as it has a far larger and more extensive wine list. It offers another 16+ regularly changing fine wines available by-the-glass as well as 300+ listings from classic wine producing countries all over the world, which are available to take-away or to enjoy on the premises with a £12 corkage fee.
The kitchen is led by Head Chef Richard Hards who has trained under some of London’s most established chefs. Under Hard’s direction, the food offering in the Bistrot a Vin is likewise ever-changing and seasonal, serving up modern Franco-European fare and is comprised of a small selection of starters, mains, and desserts. The 10 Cases also offers a range of wine-friendly tapas style dishes, cheeses, and charcuterie if you’re after some little nibbles to sip with your wine.
Inside the vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, and looks to have all the markings of a neighbourhood restaurant. The days specials are scribbled in chalk on blackboards hung on the walls and bottles of wine line walls of shelves as if it was a library of wine. It’s a great spot for any wine buff or anyone keen to start exploring the wonderful world of wine.