The Wine Press

Stairs greet you on the way in and on the way out. But those cosy brasserie pretending to operate on two levels offers something inviting to make you wish to return. Open from 12 — 11pm midweek, food is served till 3pm and from 4:30pm till close. Drinks are available all of the opening hours.
When you walk down the steps you reach the bar where each time I have arrived I have been greated warmly with a smile. The staff are good here and know their wines too. It is a shame then that their beer selection is so limited to one (Peroni) on draught and a couple in bottles.
I have heard good things about the food here which is Italian in style. I have been told a lunchtime is not a bad idea, so if I make it down to the wine press I will edit this venue, however it is rather inimate and the lighting does wonders as you are enclosed from windows and it only feels warm and cosy, never dark.
Seating for around 40 in a bar layout on the bottom floor with the raised level (ideal for a romantic meal) seating around 20 or slighty more.

Decent restaurant in the Holborn area; useful for business lunches (not intimate enough for anything else).
The décor is the best part; the restaurant was set up in an old wine press — hence the name — and some original features have been retained.
The food was ok; I had a salade nicoise that would have been very acceptable, had it not been for the tinned tuna. Not really an option in my book.
Service was fine until we tried to get the bill, and waited, and waited (not a great idea at lunchtime when people are on a tight schedule).
The décor and the nice sparkling water explain the 3^rd star.
I think will only use again if all other options are unavailable.