On the glowing recommendation of our esteemed editor, I’d been meaning to try out Le Di-Vin for a while. The wine bar is housed in a former church, The Oratory of Saint Anne just beside the Tudor House, and also happens to be a mere minute from my work. On a belle of a June evening, Gourmet Mamman and I headed in to find a refreshingly unique venue.
The wine bar concept has peaked and troughed over the years, however with the nous of experienced restaurateur Virginie Brouard of La P’tite Folie fame, and her husband Ghislain’s wine trade expertise, you have the makings of a divine kind of a place.
Mile-high ceilings allow room for chatter from the busy bar to dissipate. Serving staff are spot-on with tips for a glass of refreshing white here, or a bite to eat there. The towering wine case behind the bar really is the star of the show, and with around 50 wines available by the glass, there’s every opportunity to take a grand tour of the world’s vineyards.
A table up on the high mezzanine level was great for people-watching, and we pledged to stick with French wines for the night. A glass of buttery white Burgundy for me and a particularly zesty Sancerre for mum started things off well, accompanied by a bowl of what I reckon are the best mixed olives in this fair city. If the wine list impresses (and truly it does) then prepared to be vraiment impressioné by the simple classic food offer which focuses on sharing platters, or planchettes.
A mixed platter with a selection of cheese and meats was recommended, and when brought to the table, the waiter’s reverential and diligent naming of each and every item on the board allowed us to drink in those hallowed names of the finest French and continental cheeses and charcuterie. Brie de Meaux, Livarot, Bleu D’Auvergne and other perfect temperature fromages, sat alongside a chunky home-made pâté de campagne, salty Jambon de Bayonne, and other delectable saucissons. Accompanying crusty rustic bread, a few crunchy cornichons, fresh green grapes were the quality finishing touches to make this feel like full dining experience rather than a bar snack after-thought. Amen to that!
Hi…I have visited Le Di-Vin only 3 times over the last year but will increase my visit ratio from now on.The ambiance is great,service superb and the adjoining restuarant La petite Foile is wonderful.
My wife and I are from Fife but will be making regular trips over the Forth to this establishment
Love this bare. I have only been twice but each time I have had a really good time. Eating and drinking with loved ones and friends is surely the nicest way to pass the time. The bar has a lovely ambiance and it is a hidden gem.