http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1v32r7r/valente-s-wine-bar <b>Valente's Wine Bar</b><br />London, 3-5 Fenchurch Place, EC3M 4AJ, United Kingdom en http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/trustedplaces.comaPlacePic['name']}.140.jpg http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1v32r7r/valente-s-wine-bar http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/bar-pub/1v32r7r/valente-s-wine-bar/112698
Review by mazphd

Rating: 2.00
Tags:
Something really odd about Valente's. Right bang in the middle of the cities financial district this bar is more trendy then any real substance of style.

The bar itself is split over 2 floors. Usually not an issue, but this particular evening I was out with a friend who needed wheelchair access. The key word here being 'access'. So as a relatively 'new' and 'trendy' bar supposition was that this would not be a problem. And Valente's does have disabled facilities - just on the first floor. See where i am going (or rather not) here.

So we envisaged a lift that would whisk up to the 'trendier' bar above. And yes there is a lift - lets face it Valente's would be in grave danger of having a law suit on their hands if they did not provide such 'access'. But there's that word again 'access'. So the lift is in the neighbouring building, that closes after 7pm. And here lies the problem. Essentially no lift, no access, and no offer of any other kind of help. So you can see why i am having a tricky time giving Valente's anything more than 2 stars.

Other info, menu is the usual bar food, nacho's, steak sandwiches etc all straight out the packet and microwave. convenience eating is all about quantity not quality. much like the bar area itself; which is long , glass (a lot of glass) and not much else. The wine menu is limited, which is surprising for a venue so close to the rich list of banking world, and their recommended champagne is poss only recommended by the staff so they can get rid of it. I can only assume that the 'good stuff' is hidden somewhere else, or like their disabled facitilites theyve overlooked to thoroughly invest in this too.

So why 2 stars ? well you know what you are going to get and that is something that we British like to rate! In sum a 'too trendy' bar, that offers bar snacks and somewhere to admire the beautiful people as they walk past (and keep going if they have any sense!). oh and did i mention the glass floor that when you are downstairs means that you can 'admire' the footware of those standing on top you. remember i said trendy not classy.
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