“As dynamic as ever!” Winners announced in Star Wine List of the Year UK with The Buyer 2025

INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES:

Grand Prix

– The best list overall.

This category is presented by Bibendum

Gold Star:
Hjem, Hexham

What the winners said:
“In today’s climate, I know the people I work with in the north of England are struggling to pay their bills and experience fine dining in the way it should be experienced. So I think reasonably priced wines, made well, that are responsibly made, are what’s important. I don’t care how many multiple vintages you have – I don’t care – I just want to drink nice wine that’s ready to be drunk and goes with the food I’m eating.”
– Martin Waugh, Hjem

What the judges said:
“This was tough for the judges, given the already-incredible winners, but what we most highly desired was expert curation. This high quality list is mindfully and skilfully crafted – so much so that, upon reading, it feels different to its actual size. It is truly inspirational in how deftly it is shaped, beckoning readers (and myself) to want to go and delight in what it has to offer.”
– Queena Wong

Best Long List

– For wine lists with more than 600 references.

This category is presented by Cloudy Bay

Gold Star:
Core by Clare Smyth, London

What the winners said:
“We got ‘Best UK Wine List’ in 2023 so it’s always super exciting to be here, to see all the wine professionals. I am super excited today and, obviously, the bottle is always a great reward!”
– Kate Polianska, Core by Clare Smyth

What the judges said:
“A list that will bring a smile to both people new to wine as well as old hands. There is a feeling of familiarity, like a wise and trusty friend by your side – a friend who takes you by the hand and guides you with ease from one region to another. This friend clearly knows a lot but shares their world with you without pretension. Even though it is a long list, it feels like it’s over far too soon (like those long summer school breaks you used to have). Filled with exploration and interest, from the old to the young, the rare to the new and exciting, and the classics to the seasonal, this was just such a pleasure to read.”
– Queena Wong

Silver Stars:
Clos Maggiore, London
Doppo, London
HIDE, London
Les 110 de Taillevent, London
Mountain, London
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit, London
Noble Rot Soho, London
Row on 5, London
The Clove Club, London

Best Medium-Sized List 

– Recognises the best wine list with 200-600 references.

This category is presented by Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Gold Star:
Where The Light Gets In, Stockport

What the winners said:
“I think at the moment in the UK, the quality lies in finding winemakers who are exciting to work with so it’s difficult to choose them all but we try to work with as many as possible – we have 20-plus suppliers – and we have a very, very personal relationship with all of the winemakers. Our chefs know wine, our kitchen knows wine, we are very blessed in our wine list.”
– Anna Frost, Where The Light Gets In

What the judges said:
“This list is purposeful and keeps true to the essence of what the establishment set out to achieve, which is reflected passionately through each line. In keeping with the food and the environment, this winner feels completely harmonious: with new drops as well as known ones, you can feel the endeavour to tell their story while ensuring it is achievable by all consumers.”
– Queena Wong

Silver Stars:
Brat, London
Climat, Manchester
Etch by Steven Edwards, Brighton & Hove
Ikoyi, London
Maison François, London
OMA, London
Planque, London
The Drapers Arms, London

Best Short List

– Recognises the best wine list with fewer than 200 listings.

Gold Star:
Hjem, Hexham

What the winners said:
“It’s a pleasure to win twice in a row. It’s hard to write a wine list; it’s hard to write a good wine list – there’s more than one person involved, and there was someone before me: thanks to Ally Thompson, who wrote the wine list; and thank you to all of the producers for letting me buy the wine. And thank you to my dad for always believing in me.”
– Martin Waugh, Hjem

What the judges said:
“This vibrant list perfectly demonstrates how a short list can be a true destination. It upholds a sublimely high bar of quality, feels greater than its size and appeals to a differentiated crowd of wine drinkers – without ever compromising the tight curation and polite prices.”
– Nina Jensen

Silver Stars:
Aulis London, London
Corkage, Bath
Ken's, London
Muse by Tom Aikens, London
Olivier at The Chequers, Aston Tirrold
Plates London, London
Wild Shropshire, Whitchurch

Best By the Glass List

– Recognises the best 'by the glass' list.

This category is presented by Majestic Commercial

Gold Star:
Wild Corner, London

What the winners said:
“We’re very happy that we’ve won again! It’s a big team effort. We always try to find exciting stuff. We have a small wine bar so we really get to know our clients – we know what they like and if we find good wine, we’re going to make them happy. So we’re going to go back [to the bar] and we’re going to pop some Champagne to celebrate!”
– Vlad Costiug, Wild Corner

What the judges said:
“A taster and tempter's dream, this is a list which takes the ‘glass pour list’ concept and throws it out the door. Beyond the insanity of having so many wines to manage by the glass is the sheer audacity of the wines being poured, including sought-after old gems. The perfect place to take a rich friend who is paying and indulge in wines which are rarely poured by the glass.”
– Stephen Wong MW

Silver Stars:
Brooklands by Claude Bosi, London
Claridge's Restaurant, London
Doppo, London
Les 110 de Taillevent, London
Moor Hall, Aughton
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit, London
Noble Rot Soho, London
Row on 5, London

Best Sparkling Wine List

– Recognises the best list for sparkling wines.

This category is presented by Nyetimber

Gold Star:
HIDE, London

What the winners said:
“To be honest, we just go out and get what we can! We like large formats, we like sparkling wine and it really fits in with the cuisine that we do. We’d really just like to thank you guys for this award and it’s just amazing, thank you!”
– Matthew Mawtus, HIDE

What the judges said:
“The winner of this category impressed us with their modesty and restraint, covering sparkling wines from humble Lambrusco to small grower Champagnes. And amongst the alternative bottle sizes, there is a choice of six different methuselahs from well known grand marques... Well, who am I kidding? They probably stock the biggest selection of sparkling wines in the world and they left us speechless!”
– Jan Konetzki

Silver Stars:
Claridge's Restaurant, London
Core by Clare Smyth, London
Les 110 de Taillevent, London
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit, London
Noble Rot Mayfair, London
Noble Rot Soho, London
Row on 5, London
The Ledbury, London
Where The Light Gets In, Stockport

Sustainable Wine List

– Recognises a wine list that has put extra emphasis on the wine program’s overall impact, including vine growing, winemaking, packaging and transport.

Gold Star:
Where The Light Gets In, Stockport

What the winners said:
“[Working sustainably] is something that we’ve been doing since day one and it’s a part of everyday life – we just come into the building and it’s everything; from food to wine, we try to make things as sustainable as possible.”
– Anna Frost, Where The Light Gets In

What the judges said:
“For sustainability to convince the masses it must go hand in hand with excellence – this list is a masterclass in exactly that! As a list, it constitutes a great example of a dogma successfully executed. With a 360-degree ethos, they furthermore champion local wines, a strong team spirit and responsible recourse management.”
– Nina Jensen

Silver Stars:
Apricity, London
Bar Crispin, London
Dovetale, London
Restaurant Pine, Newcastle upon Tyne
Spry, Edinburgh

Best Newcomer List

– Recognises a venue that has recently opened.

Gold Star:
OMA, London

What the winners said:
“I guess when people think of Greece, there’s a lot of coast and I just thought it would be really interesting to make it a whole wine list, not just from the Greek perspective but the whole sea that goes from England all the way to South Africa, and it’s just about putting some amazing producers on the list, who go really well with the food, and actually being brave enough to think that our customers would actually drink these wines.”
– Emily Acha Derrington, OMA

What the judges said:
“This wine list is like a breath of fresh, salty air. Full of indigenous grapes and small producers, it challenges the geographical perspective we are so used to. Guests have to consider if the region of interest is close to the beach, on an island or far into the mainland. We think it’s great!”
– Jan Konetzki

Silver Stars:
Amélie Restaurant, London
Cornus, London
Henri at Henrietta Hotel, London
Lower, London
Pinna Mayfair, London
Plates London, London
Row on 5, London
The Cocochine, London

Best Austrian Wine List

– Recognises the best list for wines from Austria.

This category is presented by Austrian Wine

Gold Star:
Moor Hall, Aughton

What the winners said:
“Matt, who was our head somm, has a really lovely affinity with Austrian wine (we joke that the only thing he likes to drink is Grüner). But they always have really interesting varieties and stories; they’re great for pairing. I think there’s always amazing wines and regions that our guests in particular don’t really encounter a lot, so it’s good to bring that to their attention.”
– Owain Johnson, Moor Hall

What the judges said:
“There is a taste of Austria in all pairings of this Michelin-starred menu. The judges complimented the selection of white, red and sweet wines in this winner’s wine list, and the sommelier has blended the best of Austria's natural wine realm alongside matured wines from ‘old school’ producers.”
– Jan Konetzki

Silver Stars:
Chez Bruce, London
Clos Maggiore, London
Corinthia Hotel, London
Newcomer Wines, London
The Ledbury, London

Best California Wine List

– Recognises the best list for wines from California.

This category is presented by Pahlmeyer

Gold Star:
Dovetale, London

What the winners said:
“So first of all I’m just here as a rep – this award goes to Tara, the Wine Director, who works really hard with the team to make sure that California sees the spotlight. Californian wine is something that initially we wanted to get on the list to represent in Mayfair, a place that’s very Italian, Burgundian, traditional, but there are so many great producers, people and styles that we want to celebrate. This is phenomenal – we’re really proud.”
– Oliver Espersen, Dovetale

What the judges said:
“Not your typical Californian list, this selection widens the aperture on what the rather diverse AVAs of California can offer. With no shortage of iconic Cabernets, it also manages to shine a light on the great Pinot Noirs of the state and allow exploration into Chardonnay producers beyond just the old guard. Without being ungainly or massive, it manages to have something for any lover of Californian wine to enjoy.”
– Stephen Wong MW

Silver Stars:
45 Park Lane, London
Claridge's Restaurant, London
Clos Maggiore, London
Core by Clare Smyth, London
Corinthia Hotel, London
HIDE, London

LOCAL CATEGORIES:

Best Italian Wine List

– Recognises the best list for wines from Italy.

This category is presented by Ceretto

Gold Star:
Doppo, London

What the winners said:
“To be honest with you, we drink so much Italian wine … but we love all of Italy, especially Tuscany and so we focus on that, but going around all of Italy as well. And whatever we don’t drink ourselves, we give to the guests!”
– Giuseppe Zen, Doppo

What the judges said:
“An impressive Italian list – you can see why this is a favourite among those in the know who love good wine and good food. It has fabulous by-the-glass options, delightful older bottles to explore and an extensive but easy-reading bottle list to help consumers narrow their choices (even those with a new enthusiast’s level of knowledge). Reasonable prices entice patrons to explore and upgrade to wines they may not normally order. This is a place that will inspire many people toe-dipping into wine to dive in!”
– Queena Wong

Silver Stars:
Bocca di Lupo, London
Chez Bruce, London
Clos Maggiore, London
Corinthia Hotel, London
Franco's, London
HIDE, London
Moor Hall, Aughton
NoMad London, London
Sotto, Edinburgh

Best Spanish Wine List

– Recognises the best list for wines from Spain.

This category is presented by Familia Torres

Gold Star:
Mountain, London

What the winners said:
“We are so excited to win!”
– Martina Larnach, Mountain

“Our food has a very Spanish influence and I think it’s such an exciting region with so much to share, and it’s really nice to focus on some wines that make us happy and, yeah, it’s worked well!”
– Holly Willcocks, Mountain

What the judges said:
“A strongly philosophical list with a strongly modern point of view on Spain, from sparkling to refreshing, saline, and complex young whites, through rosé, orange, to reds with altitude and attitude. Respecting the influences of the coast, islands and mountains, this collection is not the largest, nor is it exhaustive, but it invites the diner to think differently about the wines of Spain and this is what brought the judges to agreement on its merits.”
– Stephen Wong MW

Silver Stars:
HIDE, London
La Dame de Pic London, London
Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit, London
Noble Rot Mayfair, London
Row on 5, London
The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Ventnor

Best Rosé Wine List

– Recognises the best list for rosé wines.

This category is presented by Miraval

Gold Star:
The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Ventnor

What the winners said:
“Being by the sea, in the hottest place in the UK, we have a lot of people who want something pale, something dry, and they chuck ice in it, so we are really keen to introduce people to rosé as a wine, as something different, something that can match up to having a white or a red. We’re getting there. We do tastings every night for our residents and then they’re going with something really dark, and they’re happy with it.”
– Ashley Fahey, The Terrace Rooms & Wine

What the judges said:
“What a delicious and diverse array of wine from a team that clearly loves rosé and understands that it does not begin and end with Provence. Lovely classics and gems sit alongside discoveries from different regions and countries, providing a taste of the spectrum of what is possible with this broad and exciting style. Furthermore, the pricing makes it hard to resist exploring through the list. Bravo.”
– Stephen Wong MW

Silver Stars:
Chez Bruce, London
Higher Ground, Manchester
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels Seven Dials, London
La Trompette, London
Mountain, London
Row on 5, London
Sager + Wilde Hackney Road, London