"We do gore and history pretty well here in the UK, a combination that’s usually going to keep adults and kids alike happy. And there aren’t many places in the country more historically gruesome than the 11th century Tower of London, where 22 executions have taken place, the last being the demise of German spy Josef Jacobs, who was shot by firing squad in 1941. Many a prisoner was left to languish within its walls, awaiting trial at the nearby courts in Westminster, and you’ll find some rueful graffiti dating back centuries etched into them. The history of the surrounding Tower Hill is just as bloody – scaffolding erected there to host executions of ne’er-do-wells would regularly collapse under the weight of onlookers (and once killed 20 in one go)."

"London is one of the most exciting places in the world to go out drinking. And drinking is a fine way to spend an evening as long as you’re sensible. In London, there are watering holes to cater for just about every taste. The problem is choosing the right bar.

Some people suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I suffer from FOPIS (Fear the Other Place is Better). You’ve no sooner sat down with your pint, cocktail, or glass of wine when the horrible doubt creeps over you, like a billowing grey cloud of doubt: what if the venue you passed two doors down was better?

That’s where personal recommendations come in handy. And that’s what I’m offering here in this selection of unique London wine bars.

If you like wine and want to drink it in some interesting places - rather than cookie-cutter bars devoid of individual character - then here are ten that I can personally recommend to a London visitor.

I’ve spent happy times in them all. There’s a wide range here too so choose the one that suits your taste – and wines that do the same."