Lady of the Grapes to Open New French Bistro and Speakeasy Wine Bar at Menier Chocolate Factory, Championing Female Winemakers

Key Takeaways

• New French bistro opens at Menier Chocolate Factory
• Focus on organic, natural wines from female winemakers
• Wine list exceeds 400 selections, 45-seat speakeasy bar
• Chef Matyáš Plzák leads modern French menu
• 60-seat restaurant plus 20-seat terrace expands capacity

Summary

Lady of the Grapes is launching a new French bistro and speakeasy wine bar in early May 2026 at the historic Menier Chocolate Factory near Borough Market. The two‑storey venue will feature a 60‑seat restaurant with a 20‑seat terrace and a subterranean 45‑seat bar called Forbidden Fruit, offering over 400 organic and natural wines, many from female producers. Founder Carole Bryon, a WSET‑certified expert, and head chef Matyáš Plzák will deliver modern French cuisine paired with the extensive wine list. The concept reinforces the brand’s commitment to supporting women winemakers while expanding its London footprint.

Pulse Analysis

London’s dining landscape continues to evolve, with heritage sites repurposed for contemporary hospitality concepts. The Menier Chocolate Factory, a Grade II‑listed Victorian building, provides an atmospheric backdrop for Lady of the Grapes’ SE1 location. By integrating a street‑level bistro with a hidden, speakeasy‑style wine bar, the venue taps into the city’s appetite for experiential dining while leveraging foot traffic from nearby Borough Market and the broader South‑Bank corridor.

The focus on organic, natural wines, especially those produced by women, aligns with a growing consumer shift toward sustainability and gender equity in the wine industry. Female winemakers now account for a larger share of premium wine sales, yet remain under‑represented on many wine lists. Lady of the Grapes’ curated selection of over 400 bottles, many from boutique female‑owned vineyards, not only differentiates the brand but also educates diners about emerging terroirs and production philosophies, reinforcing the market’s move toward inclusive storytelling.

From a business perspective, the new two‑storey venue expands seating capacity by roughly 80 percent, positioning the brand to capture higher revenue per night and attract a broader clientele, from casual market visitors to private event groups. The partnership between founder Carole Bryon and chef Matyáš Plzák adds culinary credibility, while the speakeasy concept creates a premium, reservation‑driven revenue stream. Investors and industry watchers will likely view this rollout as a blueprint for scaling niche, values‑driven hospitality concepts across major urban markets.