Walk through the doors of Friends of Flavours and every sense is greeted at once: the gentle aroma of slow-simmered ragù, the clink of Zalto stems, the soft hum of conversation. Yet it is the wine list that truly captures the imagination. Meticulously bound and constantly evolving, it represents decades of tasting, travelling and building relationships with growers from Alto-Adige to Sicily. The result is a cellar that mirrors the diversity of Italy itself and makes choosing a bottle an experience rather than a formality.
In London’s competitive dining scene, many restaurants will claim to be “the best”. Instead of hollow superlatives, Friends of Flavours relies on depth, rarity and the quiet confidence that comes from curating a 700-label collection judged by respected critics as one of the capital’s most authentic tributes to Italian viticulture.
Awards such as the Star Wine List of the Year have shown that breadth alone will not impress seasoned drinkers; it is the thoughtful composition behind the numbers that counts. Inspired by these benchmarks, our cellar combines verticals of classic vintages with discoveries from tiny, family-run estates. It means the diner in search of a 1985 Brunello finds it sitting happily alongside an organic Pignoletto bottled only 2,000 times a year.
Every label is chosen after blind benchmarking with peers, cross-referencing vintage reports and, most importantly, assessing how the wine will shine next to our food. The fact that fewer than five London restaurants boast an Italian list in excess of 700 references underscores just how distinctive Friends of Flavours has become.
The cellar’s structure allows for leisurely exploration. Wines are grouped first by region, then by style, with notes that demystify everything from amphora ageing to the nuances of volcanic soils. There is even a rotating “Sommelier’s Flight” featuring three half-glasses selected around a seasonal ingredient, offering the curious a guided tour for the price of a single large pour.
An outstanding list would feel incomplete without the estates that shaped Italian fine wine. Data from London menus confirms the dominance of Antinori and Tenuta San Guido, each appearing on roughly one in four lists. Friends of Flavours not only stocks these icons but curates verticals that stretch back decades. Tignanello fans can compare the restrained 2010 with the sun-kissed 2015, while devotees of Sassicaia find both the celebrated 2016 and the elusive 1988, stored in our temperature-controlled vault at 13°C.
Crucially, these benchmark bottles are not presented as trophy assets. Our pricing policy maintains fair mark-ups so the wines remain drinkable celebrations rather than untouchable museum pieces. Several vintages of Solaia, for example, sit below the London average of £195 for an Antinori label, encouraging guests to pull the cork and make memories, not merely admire a label behind glass.
Londoners clearly love the classics: Barolo graces almost half of the city’s wine lists, with Chianti Classico and Super Tuscans close behind. Friends of Flavours doubles down on these favourites while expanding horizons. More than forty separate Barolo cru bottlings let Nebbiolo lovers taste the difference between the perfume of La Morra and the structure of Serralunga. Chianti Classico ranges from youthful, cherry-bright annata to savoury, cedar-laced riserva back to 1998.
But the real magic lies beyond the predictable. Wines from the windswept vineyards of Etna, the limestone terraces of Marche and the alpine slopes of Valle d’Aosta share page space with household names. This embrace of lesser-known regions reflects a wider trend identified by the Financial Times: curious consumers are gravitating towards wines made outside the mainstream, especially those produced sustainably or with unconventional techniques.
Every month a handful of micro-lot bottles is added to the “New Voices” section. Recent highlights include a skin-contact Timorasso aged in acacia barrels and a méthode ancestrale Lambrusco rosé that redefines fizz. By showcasing such wines next to 100-point legends, Friends of Flavours champions the full spectrum of Italian viticulture rather than a narrow greatest-hits compilation.
The world of wine never stands still. Climate shifts, experimental vinification and evolving diner tastes keep sommeliers on their toes. Participation in events such as the London Wine Fair ensures the team remains ahead of the curve, tasting new vintages before they hit the market and fostering relationships that secure limited allocations.
At the same time, time-honoured practices—proper cellaring, decanting etiquette, serving temperatures measured to a half-degree—anchor the programme in tradition. This balance of innovation and respect for heritage is what elevates Friends of Flavours above fashionable newcomers and complacent old-timers alike.
A wine list, no matter how spectacular, achieves its true purpose only when married to food. The chefs at Friends of Flavours design each seasonal menu with pairings in mind, allowing the sommelier team to weave seamless narratives between plate and glass.
Begin with a warm burrata drizzled in basil oil and match it to a saline, citrus-driven Vermentino from Gallura; the crisp acidity slices through the cream while Mediterranean herbs echo the garnish. Tagliatelle al Ragù Emiliano, slow-cooked for eight hours, calls for a Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 whose bright cherry lifts the richness of the pork and beef. For the signature truffle risotto, nothing surpasses an aged Barolo—earthy notes mirroring the truffle while firm tannins keep each mouthful fresh.
Sea bass acqua pazza finds harmony with a mineral Etna Bianco, its volcanic whisper enhancing the fish’s delicate sweetness. And no evening should end without the silkily layered tiramisù, crowned by a glass of luscious Vin Santo: walnuts, dried apricot and a gentle coffee bitterness mirroring the dessert’s flavours and ensuring a final, lingering sigh of contentment.
Wine lists may garner headlines, but it is human touch that turns them into living stories. Friends of Flavours’ head sommelier, Alessandro Romano, leads a multilingual team trained to read more than labels. Body language, levels of wine knowledge and even pacing of conversation guide their recommendations. Guests who simply request “something red and smooth” receive the same care as collectors pursuing a rare Gaja vintage.
Tableside decanting rituals, temperature-controlled glassware and printed tasting cards accompany special bottles. For guests wishing to deepen their understanding, the team hosts fortnightly masterclasses covering topics from “The Evolution of Sangiovese” to “Orange Wines: Tradition Meets Trend”. Many attendees graduate to our popular cellar tour, where magnums line candlelit brick walls and vintages slumber beneath hand-written tags.
A great list loses its lustre if buyers doubt authenticity. Friends of Flavours sources directly from wineries or authorised UK agents, supported by traceable shipping logs and temperature trackers. Bottles arrive at a constant 12-14°C and rest for at least one month before appearing on the list, ensuring they have recovered from travel shock.
Meanwhile, a tiered mark-up structure shields guests from inflated prices. Entry-level Fiano starts at £34, while even cult Super Tuscans remain below the London market average of £368. Thoughtful half-bottle and Coravin offerings give solo diners and lunch guests the freedom to enjoy top cuvées without committing to a full bottle.
Claims of “the best” ultimately live or die on the palate. Browse the list, speak to the team, and above all taste the wines; only then does the true meaning of Friends of Flavours’ reputation reveal itself. Whether celebrating a milestone with a bottle of 1988 Sassicaia or discovering that an unknown Pecorino pairs perfectly with grilled octopus, every visit tells a new story.
Reservations can be made online or by phone, with optional pre-ordering of rare bottles to ensure they are prepared at optimal temperature on arrival. The most extraordinary Italian wines await on Charlotte Street—ready to transform dinner into an adventure that travels the length and breadth of Italy without leaving London.
Embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the finest Italian flavours, right here in Penge, London. At Friends of Flavours, every dish is a testament to our passion for fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, crafted by our experienced chefs and curated by our owner, Angelo Gobbi. With our Diner's Choice Award-winning experience, we invite you to indulge in a dining adventure that pairs perfectly with our acclaimed Italian wine list. Don't just take our word for it—come and experience the love and care in every bite and sip. Book a table now and join us for an unforgettable Italian feast that's a cut above the rest.