What is Shiraz?Syrah by another name — and our Shiraz at Fiena, King's Cross

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a dark-skinned grape grown around the world and used mainly for red wine. It has a long history in France's Rhône region, and in 1999 DNA work showed it to be the offspring of two obscure grapes from south-eastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche.

Legends link the grape to the ancient Persian city of Shiraz, but the DNA evidence points to France instead. The name "Shiraz" is mainly used in Australia, where the grape was also commonly called Hermitage until the late 1980s. Background from Wikipedia's Syrah page.

Where the grapes grow makes a big difference. In moderate climates, like the northern Rhône, Syrah tends to give medium to full-bodied wines with firm tannins and notes of blackberry, mint and black pepper. In hot climates, like Australia's Barossa Valley, it's more consistently full-bodied, with softer tannins, jammier fruit and spice notes of licorice, anise and earthy leather. In 2004 it was estimated to be the world's 7th most grown grape.

The list describes our Shiraz as deep, rich and medium-bodied, a dry red with dark berry aromas and subtle spice. It sits alongside other reds with real character: Malbec, Nero d'Avola and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Alcoholic drinks are served from 10:30.

A spicy, dark-fruited red loves meat and a bit of heat. From the main menu, try the Lamb cutlets with beef jus, the Fiena burger, or a Diavola pepperoni pizza with spicy nduja. Pasta works too: Spaghetti bolognese or the Lasagna with slow-cooked beef ragù. See the grill, spicy dishes and lasagna.

Guests rate the meat dishes. David wrote that you can feel that the meat is fresh and of high standard. (David, Google review) And Robin: Mushrooms, pasta, and chicken cooked to perfection - huge chunks of meat pretty much melted in my mouth. (Robin, Google review)

“We had the lasagna, chicken and pepperoni pizza and every single dish was delicious!”

İpek, Google reviews, 2026