Passione Vino: A New Italian Wine Bar Enlivens Exmouth Market
Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell has long been celebrated as one of London's most vibrant streets, a pedestrianised hub of year-round urban hedonism. Even on a wet and blustery winter evening, crowds spill out from venues like Cafe Kick and Berber & Q's Shawarma Bar, creating a lively scene of clinking glasses and animated conversation. This exceptional setting now hosts an exciting new addition: Passione Vino, an intimate Italian wine bar that promises to elevate the street's allure further.
A Unique 'No Menu' Wine Experience
This marks the second venture from eccentric wine expert Luca Dusi, following the success of his Shoreditch bar, which has enchanted Londoners since 2015 with its innovative 'no list, purely vibes' approach. At Passione Vino, the same intrepid method prevails. Instead of a traditional chalkboard or printed menu, intuitive staff engage customers in conversation, asking about their preferences. After a brief, sommelier-adjacent cold reading, they return with a couple of bottles for tasting before pouring a glass of the favourite selection.
The wine selection is exclusively Italian, reflecting the bar's origins as an import company. Knowledgeable staff are adept at translating global grape names into their Italian equivalents, ensuring even those unfamiliar with Italian varieties can find something to enjoy. For the undecided, recommendations flow freely, accompanied by brief but passionate explanations of various vines and their characteristics.
A Warm and Sexy Setting with Historical Charm
The space itself carries a unique history, having been taken over from the original home of the long-running Clerkenwell tattoo parlour, the Family Business. While the parlour has simply moved next door, remnants of its past remain: gold foil 'Electric Tattooing' lettering still adorns the steamy windows, and the faint buzz of tattoo needles can be tentatively felt through the plastered walls, albeit with fewer nervous, shirtless patrons.
Inside, the ambiance is appropriately candlelit, with mid-century light fixtures dangling from the ceiling and large jars of pickled items stacked behind the bar alongside endless bottles of wine. Shiny copper-topped tables reflect the candlelight, creating a warm, sexy atmosphere reminiscent of a 1970s-era Tinto Brass movie set. It's an inviting space that balances intimacy with accessibility—sexy enough for a romantic evening yet comfortable enough to bring your mum for an afternoon Chianti.
Exquisite Small Plates to Complement the Wine
With such an extensive wine focus, food becomes an imperative companion, and Passione Vino delivers with small plates that extend far beyond classic charcuterie and cheese offerings. A small bowl of Parmesan chunks with warm crackers serves as the perfect amuse bouche, especially when paired with a fizzy Franciacorta. Creamy slices of porchetta from the hills of Padova, layered with crispy pink radicchio, create what might be the meatiest salad ever encountered.
The culinary hits continue with a Sicilian red prawn tartare featuring a dauntless orange dressing, offering a pudding-like texture. Dessert takes a savoury turn with sheep ricotta accessorised with baked pear and caramelised walnuts, jazzed further with thyme and honey. Instead of traditional dessert wine, the bar recommends a heroically sweet Cidre du Saint Bernard, which strikes a delightful balance between Champagne and a bottle of cornershop Copella.
Practical Details and Time Out Tips
Passione Vino is located at 58 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QE. For those looking to explore the menu more comprehensively, the bar offers a tasting menu version of their entire selection on Sunday afternoons until 4pm, priced at £35. This provides an excellent opportunity to sample a range of their wines and small plates in a structured, value-driven format.
The vibe is unmistakably that of an intimate wine bar on one of London's best streets, offering a perfect blend of innovative wine service, delectable food, and atmospheric charm. Whether you're a wine aficionado or simply seeking a cosy spot on Exmouth Market, Passione Vino is a compelling new destination that enriches Clerkenwell's culinary and social landscape.
