Harden's says
One of the main draws of this new wine bar, restaurant and tasting room in King's Cross is that Idris Elba is one of the owners, along with with founder of Connaught Wine Cellars, David Farber.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Tucked away” near the canal at the foot of an old, repurposed gas-holder near King’s Cross, this “lovely wine bar and restaurant” showcases Champagnes and wines from movie icon and co-owner Idris Elba’s ‘Porte Noire’ brand. The food menu is “rather limited”, but it’s “nicely realised”; and “the wine list is exceptional”. Service is professional, and it’s a “sleek” looking and “buzzy” venue too (incorporating a handful of nice outside tables in summer).
Summary
Within the foot of one of King’s Cross’s historic gasholders – just behind Coal Drops Yard – this handsome wine bar boasts a celeb investor (Idris Elba) as well as a large terrace with peaceful views over the canal and landscaped greenery. The business also makes Champagne and other vintages under the ‘Porte Noire’ brand and “an interesting wine list” is a key strongpoint, alongside its “buzzy” atmosphere and staff who are “well-balanced, friendly and knowledgeable”. The food is relatively “basic”, but some of the more ambitious dishes can really shine.
Summary
“Set inside one of the old gasholders behind Coal Drops Yard”, Idris Elba’s “beautiful” new Gastronomic Wine Bar & Shop opened in late 2021 on the periphery of this up-and-coming area, with a peaceful position and attractive outlook. Fans say it’s “no gimmick restaurant, despite its Hollywood royalty backing, but a wine bar for grown-up people serious about their food and wine”. More reports please!
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Porte Noire?
Unit A Gasholder 10, 1 Lewis Cubitt Square, London, N1C 4BY
Porte Noire Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The wine list is the main draw here, but the food exceeded all my expectations and very good indeed. The beef ribs were succulent, and the meat fell off the bone at the first touch. The chick pea chips were world class. And the sommeliers are a joy to engage in conversation. Will be back. "
"Lovely wine bar and restaurant, if you can find it tucked away around the back of Coal Drops Yard, away from passing foot traffic. Menu rather limited but wine list is exceptional. Our waitress provided some of the friendliest and most helpful serivce I have had in a UK restaurant, and the sommelier was also very good."
"Buzzy clientele, quite a sleek venue, mid week seems to be post work young professionals. Food nicely done apart from slightly rubbery squid. Nicely judged wine list, mark ups quite restrained and a good range. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Unit A Gasholder 10, 1 Lewis Cubitt Square, London, N1C 4BY
Opening hours
| Monday | 4 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5:30 pm |
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