Vagabond Wines, the pioneering self-pour wine bar concept that has been changing how London drinks wine since 2010, is opening its largest venue to date on Ganton Street. Vagabond Soho brings more than 120 wines by the glass, a stunning two-floor space, and an experience designed around discovery.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply someone who enjoys finding a new favourite glass, Soho’s newest opening invites guests to sip beyond their comfort zone and embrace the unexpected. Vagabond Soho promises to be much more than another wine bar – it is a destination for exploration.
The Joy of Discovery
Vagabond’s secret has never been about telling people what they should drink. Instead, it gives them the freedom to discover what they love.
At the heart of the Soho venue sits the brand’s signature self-pour wine system, allowing guests to sample, taste, and compare wines at their own pace. One moment you could be exploring the crisp English sparkling wine; the next, a bold Argentine Malbec or an elegant Burgundy. The options are endless. And all guided by the experts at Vagabond. The staff don’t approach wine aloofly. Instead, they focus on flavour and give you as much or as little information as you like. They make wine accessible and fun.
It’s wine without intimidation. No lengthy wine lists, no pressure. Just curiosity, conversation, and the excitement of finding something unexpected in your glass.
From Canada Water to Carnaby
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the Vagabond story is that some of the wines on offer have travelled remarkably little distance.
Among the 120-plus wines available at Soho are bottles crafted at Vagabond’s own Urban Winery in Canada Water, the UK’s largest urban winery. Grapes sourced from vineyards within two hours of London are transformed into award-winning wines by the company’s in-house winemaking team.
The venue’s collection reads like a journey through some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. You can begin with vibrant English sparkling wines and elegant Champagnes before moving through crisp Sauvignon Blancs, mineral-driven Chardonnays, and aromatic whites from across Europe.
For red wine enthusiasts, the adventure continues with everything from silky Pinot Noirs and refined Rioja blends to bold Mendoza Malbecs, rich Italian reds, and full-bodied Shiraz. Rosé lovers are equally well catered for, with Provençal-style pours and contemporary rosé expressions designed for long summer afternoons on Soho’s terrace.
Perhaps most exciting for adventurous drinkers is Vagabond’s commitment to showcasing styles that often sit beyond the traditional wine list. Orange wines, pét-nats, small-production bottles, urban-made wines, and limited parcels from independent producers all help create an experience where discovery is part of the attraction.
For a neighbourhood known for embracing the unexpected, Vagabond Soho is bringing a wine list that feels every bit as adventurous as its surroundings. What makes Soho different isn’t simply the scale, but the atmosphere.
It’s a distinctly modern take on wine culture – one that feels perfectly aligned with the capital’s authentic, creative spirit.
Designed for the Modern Wine Lover
In a district renowned for creativity and reinvention, Vagabond feels perfectly at home. Soho has always celebrated the unconventional, and Vagabond’s self-pour concept reflects that same spirit — placing the experience firmly in your hands.
Spanning two floors and complete with a terrace for summer sipping, the space balances industrial winemaking heritage with contemporary London style. A dramatic central bar takes inspiration from the shape of a wine barrel, while traditional riddling racks frame the staircase, offering subtle nods to centuries-old winemaking traditions.
One of the venue’s most intriguing features is hidden among gleaming stainless-steel tanks – a private dining room that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Perfect for tastings, celebrations, and intimate gatherings, it adds an element of theatre to the overall experience.
Rather than being told what to order, visitors are invited to wander, experiment, and discover. It’s wine on your terms.
Food Worth Lingering For
While the wine may take centre stage, the food is far more than an afterthought. Designed with sharing and pairing in mind, Vagabond Soho’s seasonal menu celebrates the simple pleasure of gathering around the table. Expect beautifully curated small plates and grazing boards that encourage guests to mix, match, and linger a little longer over each pour.
From indulgent Iberico croquettes and pillowy gnocco fritto to garlic-infused pil pil prawns, roasted tomato hummus, and comforting baked Camembert drizzled with honey and thyme, every dish has been thoughtfully crafted to complement the extensive wine selection. For those looking for something more substantial, slow-cooked lamb shank served with roasted cauliflower mash and cavolo nero offers a hearty centrepiece.
Whether you’re stopping in for a pre-theatre bite, settling into a leisurely lunch, or sharing plates with friends over a flight of wines, the menu is designed to make every visit feel relaxed, sociable, and deliciously unhurried. Everyone can find something of their own here.
Why This Opening Matters
Soho has always evolved alongside London’s tastes, and Vagabond arrives at a moment when wine culture is truly becoming more adventurous than ever.
Today’s drinkers want experiences rather than rituals. They want to learn without lectures, discover without commitment, and share moments that feel authentic rather than exclusive.
Vagabond’s approach taps directly into that mindset. It transforms wine from something formal into something social, playful, and openly accessible – all without losing any of the quality or craftsmanship.
In many ways, the opening feels like a little reflection of Soho itself: diverse, welcoming, and endlessly inquisitive.
And perhaps that is precisely why this opening matters. In a neighbourhood renowned for creativity, reinvention, and cultural exchange, Vagabond is introducing a concept that encourages exploration at every turn.
There are no rigid rules, no intimidating wine lists, and no expectation that guests should already know their Burgundy from their Barolo. Instead, there is an invitation to taste, experiment, and follow your curiosity.
The opening also signals something larger for London’s wine scene. Once considered niche or intimidating, wine is being reimagined for a new generation of drinkers — one that values discovery, accessibility, and storytelling as much as tradition.
By placing exploration at the centre of the experience, Vagabond is helping to shape a more inclusive and engaging future for wine culture in the capital.
The Verdict: A New Destination for Curious Drinkers
In a city filled with amazing wine outlets, Vagabond Soho succeeds by offering something increasingly rare: genuine discovery.
Part wine bar, part wine playground, and part celebration of modern winemaking, it brings fresh energy to one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
With over 120 wines by the glass, London-made vintages, immersive interiors, and a launch event that promises to attract wine lovers from across the capital, Vagabond Soho is set to become one of the season’s most talked-about openings.
For anyone looking to toast the start of summer in style, this may be the perfect place to raise a glass.
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All photos courtesy of: Vagabond Wines.