Humble Grape, a wine bar and restaurant business, has been recognised as a finalist in the Toast the City Awards 2026. One of its locations, Humble Grape Bow Lane, is specifically a finalist for Best Bar and Best New Opening this year.
The company's origin dates back to James Dawson, who after working in finance, pursued wine qualifications and began hosting tastings. In 2014, he decided to quit finance and establish his own wine bar. Humble Grape became the first UK hospitality business to crowdfund its launch, raising £500,000 and opening its initial venue in 2015.
Initially, the bar served only cheese and ham toasties but later expanded its culinary offerings and opened two more venues within two years. Humble Grape now operates seven venues across London, with the Bow Lane location offering over 500 wines from independent winemakers in a crypt below St Mary-le-Bow Church.