Their cellars aren't jam-packed with fruity vintages but the heady, romantic atmosphere of this wine and Champagne bar should leave you feeling flirtatious.

The Venue
Vroni’s doesn't look much from the outside, and you imagine it's a quaint pub. You wouldn’t be far from the truth because Vroni's took over this period pub some time ago, but some of the original fixtures remain. Behind the wood bar there are bottle racks stretching all the way to the ceiling.

There's also a balcony with a low ceiling which not only provides extra seating but also gives a bird's eye view of the action downstairs. The rest of the place is filled with traditional chairs, tables and small green leather booths of the sort you'll find in most old pubs.

This no-frills decor suits Vroni's, and matches the old-world traditions of wine and Champagne. Dim lighting is the added touch, and the candles stuffed inside empty bottles give a rustic romantic feel to the place.

The People
It's no surprise to discover that Vroni's is a favourite with couples. Candle-lit tables have the same affect on the love-sick as they do on moths.

It's quiet but, weirdly, it's not intimate. It's really small so tables and booths are squashed together, and it's likely you'll be overheard. Most of the people who come here are in their forties and above.

The Food
They only serve lunch, and the menu is short and far from pretentious. For starters (£3-£5) choose between the Parma ham with rocket, parmesan and balsamic vinaigrette or the smoked salmon with dill creme fraiche, caper and brown bread (they serve nachos if you fancy something less elegant but more filling).

If you are not too hungry you can grab a grilled panini (£4 to £5), an open sandwich (£5), or a baked potato (£4.50 to £5). Otherwise go for a main (£5 to £6.50) and pick between bangers and mash, Indonesian prawn curry with noodles, macaroni and cheese and a couple of platters.

The Drink
Vroni’s promises 13 wines by the glass (£3.60 to £4.25 for a small glass and £4.90 to £6 for a large one) and the promise is met but you could actually sample the same amount in any well-stocked pub. The difference is made by the wine sold by the bottle (£18 to £32). There are almost 20 options which, added to those available by the glass, gives you a selection of almost 30 wines, and that's not including sparkling wine and Champagne.

If you are expecting exotic wine you'll be disappointed. Vroni’s selection hails from New and Old World wine making countries, and most are known grape varieties including Chardonnay, Chablis, Sancerre, Rioja, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Merlot.

Their aim is simply to present the best of the classics and it is a good strategy since these are all tried and tested bottles that cannot disappoint. There are a few exceptions though, like the Austrian Gruner Veltliner made with Austrian native grapes. The Champagne list is also attractive with 10 bottles available. Prices go from £19 for a cava up to £200. Four are also available by the glass (£4.25 to £8.75) including their own Vroni’s House N/V Cuvee St Flavy.

Cocktails are also available but they are far from popular. There’s a selection of Champagne cocktails at £7.50 and long and short well-known classics at £6.

The Last Word
The wine is good but Vroni’s is not all that spectacular. The selection is wide but lacks some creativity. If you’re quite a conservative drinker, however, this place may be exactly what you are looking for.

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