The Sampler 266 Upper Street, London N1 2UQ

"Stumbled in here today to buy a bottle of wine and got a recommendation from staff for what I now know is a seriously amazing bottle of wine. Definitely go for a visit and listen to their very smart staff!"

"The range is extensive and we tried some lovely wines, however the staff seemed uninterested in helping us (we were given a single glass for a group of 5), we stayed a while and spent a fair amount and they didn’t manage even a thank you as we left. A bit disappointed if I’m honest"

"Misplaced elitism spoils a 30 minute wine buying experience. I’ve read other reviews of The Sampler and all sound positive, so am hoping this is a one off. This message is more feedback for the team and who they surround themselves with than a criticism of the venue… Chanced upon this little spot on Saturday night after a gig at Union Chapel. There were quite a few people inside sampling wine and having a good time so two friends and I entered to try a few glasses before picking up a bottle to take home. Loaded £20 of credit onto the sample card and began tasting a few interesting wines. There’s a long table near the counter with some of the staff and their friends sipping and chatting. As I came to sample some of the reds nearest their table, an uninspiring customer and friend of the staff began making loud comments about how “it’s unfortunately starting to feel like a regular bar in here” and that there are “too many people coming in, only spending £20 on samples and never actually buying a bottle”. Either the staff’s friend was trying to impress the others or had had a few two many 50ml samples, but as three new customers we found it such a disappointing way to behave in a merchants that seemed like a great place to hang out. The staff of a place like that shouldn’t tolerate rude behaviour to customers, especially from their own obnoxious friend. Some people can feel a little “out of water” walking into a merchants when they don’t know much about wine, and people like that unfortunately make great places like The Sampler feel cold and uninviting. If the team on the night could have a word that would be great - your friend sat at the head of the table with shoulder length hair and beard gives off terrible energy to new customers and really let the place down. We decided to leave after this, and when buying a bottle at the counter, I asked a team member if it was okay that we were in there trying a few glasses, the response was fairly flat that “we’re not actually a bar, but a merchants and we actually shut at 9pm”. This was said around 21:45 as I was buying a bottle to takeaway and while the place still had at least 20 people still in there. Cronyism / elitism is a really unattractive quality in a place that’s meant to be about celebrating a love of wine. Will try again in the future when in the area but this experience left a very sour taste."

"Personally I'm not a fan of wine , but if one day I every decide to dabble I will definitely be back here! The staff was extremely kind and attempted to help me find a wine I liked by giving me generously sized free samples. They also allowed a member of my party to get a glass of white wine which was not on the "glass menu" at no extra charge. The ambiance and decor was fantastic and so was the food. Unfortunately it was gobbled up before I could get a photo but the mussels and green olives were some of the best I've ever had. I would definitely recommend this location to wine enthusiasts as well as beginners."