Le Bouchon Wine - Lewisham

Blackheath has a charming village feel, quite unlike the hustle and bustle of central London, and the absence of a tube line certainly adds to that atmosphere. Although the area was once dominated by chain establishments, independent spots like Le Bouchon have emerged, giving it a lot more character. Le Bouchon was exactly what I hoped for in a French wine bar—cozy enough to feel intimate, but spacious enough to accommodate groups without any hassle. The decor is tastefully done, featuring a mix of tall tables and bar stools, as well as lower tables and chairs. Large windows open out onto the street, and there are a few tables outside to enjoy the lovely weather.

We were first treated to a glass of rosé champagne along with hors d’oeuvres that included familiar yet delightful offerings like sun-dried tomatoes—not oil-soaked as I had anticipated, but wonderfully tangy, and a bit dry on their own. There were also sweet mini peppers stuffed with cheese, served alongside tapenade. Le Bouchon boasts ample seating, both indoors and outdoors, creating a tasteful ambiance perfect for an evening out with friends or family. You can enjoy a glass or a carafe of wine in the beautiful surroundings. It's also a great spot for a date—grab a high chair and share a glass of red. We couldn’t resist the sunlight and the cozy outdoor seating with its large windows, so we settled outside to soak up the sun, enjoying a gentle breeze. It was the perfect setting to relax! With an impressive selection of 120 wines, all boasting a distinct French flair, I was eager to order my white wine. I wanted something light and subtly sweet, so I chose Jeannes, which I really loved! I could have gone for some bread to accompany my wine, but thankfully, the charcuterie was on its way. I had a lot of fun deciding which cheeses to pair with my charcuterie. I opted for a 24-month-old aged cheese with a nutty flavor and creamy texture—a cheese made from unpasteurized cow milk that had fruity and nutty notes. I also added a creamy blue cheese, Fourme d’Ambert, which was wonderfully rich. When the beautiful cheese and charcuterie board arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portions—it was enough to serve as a satisfying main course. I was seated with some friendly bloggers, and the conversation flowed as smoothly as the wine. My delicious cheese and sausage platter was served with red grapes, pickles, and dried apricots, perfectly complementing the offerings of Comté and walnut saucisson—a traditional French black sausage. I finished my cheese with a glass of Spanish red Rioja, which was rich in seasoning and oak, and fruit-forward with a hint of licorice. Taking the train to Blackheath felt like a quick escape from the city to a nearby modern village. Le Bouchon stands out as Blackheath's independent wine bar with a fantastic selection of wines and cheeses, contrasting with the multitude of chains that dominate the high street. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy art and wine in a local atmosphere, making it a gem worth revisiting.

Le Bouchon was everything I expected from a French wine bar—intimate yet spacious enough to accommodate a good number of guests. It was tastefully decorated with a mix of high tables and benches, along with lower tables and chairs, plus large windows that opened onto the street and a few outdoor tables. The walls were adorned with chalkboards showcasing daily specials and offerings. We started our experience with a crisp and refreshing rosé Champagne, along with some amuse-bouches. I must say this was the least impressive part of our meal, as the offerings were quite standard—salted mixed nuts, olives, broth and olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese-stuffed red peppers, tapenade, and the like. Out of these, I enjoyed the red peppers and tapenade, which came with a nice touch— the owner emphasized a philosophy of "simple, but tasty," focusing more on the wine, which I found to be spot-on. Next, we were invited to choose three charcuterie selections and three cheeses, which made for an interesting and incredibly filling experience. I can’t tell if we got larger portions because we were blogging about the restaurant, but I had never seen such generous servings on a plate! The charcuterie felt substantial enough to be considered a proper meal, and I ended up quite full after indulging. I selected wild boar sausage, walnut saucisson, and saucisson with Comté (I can never resist Comté), along with two cheeses I had not tried before—secret cheese and Le Bon Grivois. The cheeses truly stole the show; even now, I can’t decide which was my favorite—the creamy yet slightly gooey Grivois or the secret cheese, which was a soft but not runny brown cheese. The Comté was delicious as always but didn’t take the spotlight this time. The plate came with cornichons, grapes, and dried apricots, which I particularly enjoyed pairing with the Comté. Plus, there was plenty of bread to accompany the cheese. I started with a lovely, dry yet slightly creamy Sancerre and wrapped up my evening with a red wine I hadn't tried before—Chinon, which had a nice acidity that complemented the rich flavors of the cheese and meats. Le Bouchon is everything you could want from a local wine bar, offering a cozy yet relaxed atmosphere, even on a Tuesday. Blackheath is fortunate to have this gem.

You have to do it! no more need to say. amazing place, very warm, feels like family. if you want to go in French adventure, this is your hot spot! manager has looked after us very well and recommended best champagner. after my thought they go to rose! we tried snails, cheese and meatboard, hot potatoes with truffles, but baked camembert with coward is to die!

Fantastic experience. The quality of the cheese and meats was great and the service was impeccable. I highly recommend a visit!