The Bishop's Cave Wine Bar in Saint Albans

19 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1EZ

About This Pub

Ah, The Bishop's Cave – what a gem in St Albans! From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, this place really shines with its fantastic wine selection and those knowledgeable folks behind the bar who make you feel right at home, offering spot-on advice on wines and cheeses. The atmosphere is just lovely, with that cosy back room that's perfect for settling in with friends or a date, and the food platters are spot on for sharing – think generous portions of cheese, cold meats, and even a cracking scotch egg that everyone's raving about. It's clear from the reviews that it's a hit for special occasions, and they go the extra mile with dietary needs, which is always a plus. On the flip side, it can feel a tad expensive for everyday visits, and if wine isn't your thing, you might find the options a bit narrow. Plus, with varying hours and one day closed, it's worth checking ahead to avoid disappointment. All in all, it's a solid choice for a memorable night out, and I'd say it's well worth a visit if you're in the area and fancy something a bit special.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The wine selection is absolutely brilliant, with a great variety that caters to all tastes – perfect for exploring new favourites.
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and attentive; they'll help you pick the perfect wine and pairings, making every visit feel special.
It's got such a cosy, characterful atmosphere in that lovely building, ideal for a relaxed evening or a romantic date night.
The food platters, like the cheese boards and massive scotch eggs, are delicious and great for sharing – always a hit with groups.
They handle dietary needs really well, as mentioned in the reviews, so it's a welcoming spot even if you've got allergies or preferences.

Cons

It might feel a bit pricey for a casual night out, being on the moderate side, so it's not ideal if you're watching the pennies.
As a wine bar, it's more geared towards wine lovers, so if you're after a pint of ale or something non-alcoholic, options could be limited.
The opening hours vary and it's closed one day a week, which might not suit everyone, especially if you're planning a spontaneous trip.
Their website is quite basic, so you might not get all the details you need online before heading over.

Contact Information

19 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1EZ

+441727861546

Wine bar

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	17:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	17:00 - 22:30
Thursday (Today)	17:00 - 22:30
Friday	12:00 - 23:30
Saturday	12:00 - 23:30
Sunday	13:00 - 19:00

Location

Recent Reviews

We booked an early evening table for a couple of hours. Good selection of wines and they do great platters of cold meat or cheese. Big scotch eggs were great for sharing. Nice atmosphere. Helpful staff. You can select the cheeses you want with your platter. Lovely building with a lot of character and history. Looking forward to sitting by the fire on a cold day with a bottle of something, some cheese, and a good book or good company. A nice change from a pub.

Dave Kingston

Such attentive service helping you choose wines + meats / cheeses — they know their stuff!! Everything is so delicious, the perfect date night spot in St Albans

Annie Smith

In my opinion this is the best wine bar in St Albans. A lovely atmosphere, with the back room being particularly cosy. Great wines on offer, a wonderful selection of cheeses and good charcuterie. The staff are very knowledgeable and passionate about their wines and cheeses, offering great advice. A lovely place to meet friends. We had a really enjoyable evening and will definitely return.

David Simkins

Stepping into Bishop's Cave is like entering a cozy sanctuary for wine enthusiasts. The staff's hospitality is truly exceptional, their knowledge and passion for wine shines through in every interaction - thank you Rob. For food I had their massive scotch egg and chilli olives - both were absolutely delicious. I had a glass of the Australian Shiraz and a glass of the Georgian Saperavi. Both wines were full bodied and very impressive. What sets Bishop's Cave apart is their unique wine offerings, curated to satisfy both novices and connoisseurs alike. Whether you're seeking a romantic date spot or a place to unwind with friends, this gem is an absolute must-visit for any wine lover.

Nikki Sewpersad

A tremendous experience with some incredible cheese and wine. Paul was an expert on everything and was so attentive, especially when we mentioned a nut allergy and lactose intolerance. We were so well looked after and had such good food! The best Bishop’s Cave, for sure 😉

Rachel T