'I visited the wine bar near London named one of the best with a walk-in cheese room'

A charming wine shop and deli in Shenfield has earned the title of best wine & beer specialist in Essex. Liquorice Wine & Deli claimed the Muddy Stilettos top spot for 2024, recognized for its unique offerings and welcoming atmosphere.

Located on the corner of Hutton Road, Liquorice has a lovely terrace for those occasional sunny days. Inside, you are greeted by walls of wine bottles, available for sipping on-site or taking home.

The shop has a cosy, intimate setting with limited tables, perfect for a quiet evening, and for larger groups, you can reserve the space for private events. The night before I visited the shop, there had been an event, and the shop was impeccable in the morning.

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Near the tables is a tempting deli counter with a selection of Mediterranean delicacies, from classic olives and sun dried tomatoes, to more unique products like truffle pecorino nuts and caramelised milk chocolate pecans. I sat at a table right next to the counter to appreciate everything they had on offer.

Next to the counter, there’s one of the shop’s highlights: a walk-in cheese room. This is a paradise for cheese lovers like me, with all kinds of Dutch, French and British cheeses. There’s always a cheese of the month, and this time it was Raclette, which was 20% off.

Deli items, wines, and cheeses can be enjoyed in-store or taken to go. I tried their cheese platter for two, paired with the only rosé available by the glass.

With 350 types of wine available, only select bottles can be ordered by the glass, while others are available for purchase by the bottle. The in-store menu includes a wide variety of sparkling, red, and white wines.

The Provence rosé I had was priced at £9 a glass. It was refreshingly light with a hint of sweetness. I would recommend it for a warmer day.

The cheese board, priced at £20, came with three cheeses of my choice, soft baguette, crackers, an onion and raisins chutney, and grapes. My choices were classic manchego, manchego with edible flowers, and a creamy brie.

I could have easily devoured it all myself - cheese is truly my greatest love (I even have a poster that says, "sweet dreams are made of cheese"). That said, this platter is definitely more than enough for two to share.

Prices at Liquorice are reasonable - you can pay less than £20 for high-quality cheese and wine. The atmosphere is peaceful, with subtle background music adding to the relaxed vibe.

Liquorice also has a craft beer wall for those looking to explore beyond wine, a feature that adds to its appeal in my opinion. This diverse offering is likely a key factor in its Muddy Stilettos win.

Monthly tasting sessions add even more to the experience, with November’s event showcasing winter wines, cheese, and meat boards for £40. There’s also music nights for £35, and joint events with Layalina Lebanese Restaurant, which is also a Muddy Stiletto winner.

Liquorice Wine & Deli offers a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts, with a cosy environment and exceptional selection. Whether you're stopping by for a tasting or planning a special night out, this Shenfield gem is sure to impress.

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