THURSDAY NIGHT @ THE GRAPE VARIETY #REVIEW…

Posted by Mark Whitehouse on 12 Feb 2026

Tucked away in Chipstead Valley is a cosy little Wine Bar called The Grape Variety. Being a wine nerd that works in the industry it was naturally on my radar, and last night I finally had the pleasure of visiting it.

Firstly I loved the decor with various wine bottles displayed in wooden wine cases on the wall, and the creative use of the wine box lids used as panelling on the walls, an idea which I might try and replicate at home! The staff were very attentive and welcoming and I didn’t have to wait very long before they came to take my order.

The wine list is well structured and listed according to style which is perfect for those who are less familiar with some of the options on the menu, and easier to navigate. They have a great selection of wines with some classic old faithfuls like Gavi di Gavi and Picpoul De Pinet as examples, and they also have an eclectic mix of “Off the Beaten Track” Wines from Hungary, Slovenia and Greece which is always music to the ears of a wine geek like me.

Of the wines I tried I was particularly impressed with the “Tinpot Hut” Pinot Gris from New Zealand, a nice and structured white wine with aromas of Pear, Nectarine and spice, and I particularly loved the “Land of Saints” Pinot Noir from Central Coast in California, which is a medium bodied red wine with fresh red fruit and floral aromas and silky smooth tannins.

The food menu was impressive too, and there was a delicious selection of snacks and small plates and sharing boards with Cheese, Charcuterie and Seafood Boards to compliment your wine. And for something different, there’s a choice of Canned Fish from “Sea Sisters” based in Dorset, served with Sourdough and Cornichons.

I enjoyed a delightful Cheese and Charcuterie Board with a selection of English Cheeses and Chutney, with Salami, Prosciutto and a side of Padron Peppers, which is always a great accompaniment to a glass of wine or two!

What a lovely evening and experience overall, and I felt very welcomed by the staff and was impressed by the overall quality and selection of the food and wine, and for those of you who haven’t already been, I highly recommend it.

Being on the Chipstead Station Parade it’s a stones throw away from Chipstead Train Station so very accessible on public transport, and you can get there from London Bridge or Tattenham Corner.

COMING UP THE GRAPE VARIETY:

Beef Wellington Dining Club

The Grape Variety has launched a new monthly dining club, celebrating one of Britain’s most-loved dishes – the Beef Wellington.

On selected Sundays, just 25 guests will enjoy an exclusive three-course lunch in a relaxed wine-bar setting. Each event features:

Classic prawn cocktail to start
Beef Wellington with all the trimmings as the main event
Sticky toffee pudding to finish

Date: Sunday 15 February
Time: 2:00pm

Price: £60 per person Booking: Advance booking required here.

Sri Lankan Sunday Roast

The Grape Variety has partnered with the brilliant Manny’s Kitchen in Stoneleigh to bring a Sri Lankan Sunday Roast to the bar on the last Sunday of every month.

Expect bold flavours, comforting classics with a twist, and something a little special to round off the weekend. If you enjoy trying new cuisines or simply love a great Sunday roast with a difference, this one is worth booking in for.

Date: Sunday 22nd February
Booking: Via the website

For more information including event hire visit the website here – https://www.thegrapevariety.com

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