Sager + Wilde is passionate about wine, and their thoughtfully composed ambiance makes it a perfect wine bar destination. The intimately curated and changing wine list would alone make Sager + Wilde worth the trek to East London. But it’s the perfectly constructed setting that will make you want to be a regular. Sager + Wilde feels like a sophisticated neighborhood joint – warm and friendly, and any wine lover will be glad they went out of their way to get here.
Sager + Wilde features compelling wines from around the world, ranging from modern off-beat to classic. Even the by-the-glass wine options are interesting. Adding to your imbibing experience, Sager + Wilde staff are intimately knowledgeable about the wine and happy to fill you in on fascinating wine backstories.
The wine bar’s interior design is stark and modern, contrasting with its attention to the little details: the bar top of glass brick… the perfectly composed, eclectic soundtrack… the warm lighting. Flickering accents of tapered candles bounce off the hard-industrial surfaces, creating a moodiness that makes you want to hang-out all night.
Sager + Wilde also serves small casual plates like cheese, charcuterie, and toasties. The cheese options are concise, but heavenly. It’s the perfect light nosh to take off the edge before heading out to dinner – if you make it that far. More than likely, Sager + Wilde will ensnare you for the evening.
Sager + Wilde is worth going out of the way for that perfect London neighborhood evening. London, though, is enormous both geographically and gastronomically. So, if you’re a traveler passing through London, this wine spot might feel a bit out of the way. But if you’re a wine bar hunter like me, it’s worth the journey. Especially if you make an East London day out of it.
Slowly wend your way over to Sager + Wilde on a Sunday after you’ve hit the Brick Lane Sunday Upmarket for a couple of hours
Then trek through the Columbia Flower Market toward the end of the day, as the market is closing down, when you can get a deal on flowers for your Airbnb living room.
Veer up Ezra St. where you are likely to run into some great street music outside the adorable Campania and Jones Italian restaurant.
Sager + Wilde is just a few blocks further on. Once you sink into the laid-back atmosphere with your glass of amazing wine, you’ll be glad you made the journey.
