A much-loved Strand fixture has entered its next chapter. Following a thoughtful refurbishment, Daly’s Wine Bar & Beer Hall now spans two distinct floors, one devoted to wine-led elegance, the other to beer-fuelled revelry, offering Central London diners two different atmospheres in one venue.

The Ambience

The street-level Wine Bar strikes a pleasing balance between modern polish and old-school comfort. The space is contemporary and warm, working effortlessly as a space for business lunches and post-court dinners. There are also softer edges: snug corners for dates, larger tables for groups, and a general hum that feels lively and upbeat. On Wednesdays in particular, the room buzzes with City energy; booking ahead is less a suggestion than a survival tactic.

Downstairs, the Beer Hall leans gleefully into its role as a high-energy social space. With one of the strongest draught line-ups north of the Thames, big screens showing Sky and TNT Sports, and interactive electric dart boards that are genuinely excellent fun with a group, it’s easy to slip into territory where “just one” is rarely the outcome. It’s perfectly pitched for after-work drinks, match days, or informal celebrations that don’t let the night end too early.

The Food

The menu mirrors the building’s dual personality, but quality runs consistently through both floors. Upstairs, things begin with a generous British cheese selection served with seeded crispbread, deeply moreish, thoughtfully chosen, and ideal for easing into the evening with a glass of bubbles from the expansive wine list.

Pigs in blankets arrive sticky and indulgent, glazed in honey mustard and finished with crispy onions. The smoky pork is sweetly caramelised, rich without tipping into cloying, and disappears alarmingly fast, particularly good with a crisp rosé. The Isle of Wight Cheddar rarebit is a proper winter warmer: boozy, sharp and comforting, its richness neatly cut by blushed pickled onion and soft sourdough.

Mains continue the assured, produce-forward approach. Hake is delicately cooked and served on a bed of creamed celeriac and greens, finished with bright fronds of samphire and a gently citrusy orange sauce that lifts the dish beautifully.

The Oxfordshire sirloin steak delivers exactly what it should: confident cooking, a robust peppercorn sauce, and skinny fries that are extra-crisp and made for dragging through every last drop.

Downstairs, the Beer Hall menu ups the ante rather than down; giant pretzels with honey mustard, sausage swirls, lamb croquettes, and Bavarian-inspired comfort dishes are designed for sharing (or stubbornly not). It’s indulgent, well-executed, and perfectly suits the setting. 

The Verdict

Daly’s has managed to curate a relaunch that respects its history while expanding its appeal. Whether you’re in the mood for a serious bottle of wine and a polished dinner, or pints, darts and a late-night snack, it delivers both with confidence. With a strong wine list, crowd-pleasing food, friendly service and an atmosphere that caters to all, Daly’s feels set to become a regular haunt for City workers, and a reliable Central London favourite well beyond the nine-to-five crowd.