From social worker to wine trader
James Dawson arrived in London with just £50 and the hope of becoming a social worker. But the job he had secured was no longer available, and he found himself without a home or income. For three cold nights, he slept on a park bench, using his meager funds to buy food. When he finally reached out to someone he knew in the city, he was told about the earning potential in banking, as much as £11 an hour. That opportunity changed his path.
Dawson soon found work in finance and eventually climbed his way into HSBC’s trading desk in Paris by his late 20s. While his days were spent in finance, his weekends were for discovery. He began renting a car to explore French villages and sample local wines. Through this exploration, he discovered not only the culture of wine but also its joy and potential to create memorable experiences.
The wine bar’s creation
Seven years after falling in love with wine, Dawson earned his qualifications and began hosting wine tastings on his own. He also started buying and selling wines, often delivering them on his motorbike before heading back to his desk job. But he found it difficult to sell some of the wines he imported, even though he believed they were exceptional. That realization led him to make a bold decision.
Instead of continuing in finance, Dawson decided to open a wine bar. Humble Grape was the first hospitality business in the UK to use crowdfunding, raising £500,000 to launch. The first venue opened in 2015, and despite James not being a chef by trade, the bar started with simple offerings like cheese and ham toasties. Surprisingly, it became the top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor for London, proving that even humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
From one bar to seven
Dawson knew he had to elevate the menu if the business was to keep growing. Soon after the success of the first location, he hired an executive chef and opened two more venues. Over the next few years, the brand expanded, and by now, Humble Grape has seven locations across London. Each spot carries the signature warmth and charm that make the bar stand out.
One standout location is Humble Grape Bow Lane, which is currently a finalist in the 2026 Toast the City Awards for Best Bar and Best New Opening. Housed in a cool crypt beneath St Mary-le-Bow Church, the venue offers over 500 wines from independent winemakers. It combines history, ambiance, and an impressive selection in a way that makes it a must-visit.
The story of Humble Grape is a testament to perseverance and passion. From rough nights on park benches to opening a trailblazing wine bar, James Dawson’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His vision has grown into a successful brand that continues to impress both critics and customers alike.
Wine Recommendations
For those interested in sampling the kind of wines that inspired Dawson’s journey, here are a few standout recommendations. The Cloudy Bay Te Koko, available at Majestic for £62, is a rich and savory Sauvignon Blanc, aged in oak with wild yeasts and offering notes of smoke and almonds. For Champagne lovers, the Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs 2015, available at Wanderlustwine.co.uk for £95, is a must-try, showcasing citrus and brioche tones with a seven-year lees aging process.
Lastly, the Rathfinny Mini Cuvée, available at Hedonism for £27, is a clever option for those who want a taste without opening a full bottle. It features a traditional method sparkling wine in a 50cl size, delivering a crisp, citrusy finish with bright bubbles.
The Toast the City Awards 2026 are now open for public voting, and Humble Grape Bow Lane is a strong contender in multiple categories. To get involved, visit the site and cast your vote for this innovative venue.