Considered as London’s oldest wine bar, Gordon’s Wine Bar is a haven to vino lovers as this is the only drink available on the menu. Take your pick from the finest wines from the new and old world - red, white, rosé, port, sherry - they’ve got it.
The building dates back to the 1680s and was once the house of Samuel Pepys who is one of England’s prominent historical figures. Before the establishment of the wine bar in 1890, it served as the house’s cellar.
It was flooded several times before the embankment was built on the Thames. Today, the darkened, candle-lit alcoves still provide that musky smell giving a true sense of its age.
The place is almost always packed. And while this might lead you in thinking that it takes ages to order, the reality is quite the opposite. As soon as you descend the wobbly stairs, just head straight to the bar and forget about queuing.
They don’t like queuing here so you better be quick. Make sure that you also keep an eye on your belongings as thieves are known to be about, especially if you sit in the dark areas.
On a hot summer’s day, the place can be like an oven at high temperatures so people stand outside and huddle in groups in the alley above.
Gordon’s Wine Bar is usually ignored because of its “old” appearance but once you’ve been, you’ll surely come back for more.
Details about this spot
Gordon’s Wine Bar | Bars | Glass from £ 4.00
47 Villiers Street | Central (area map) | +442079301408
Mon - Fri 08:00 (breakfast) & 10:00 - 23:00, Sat 11:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00
It is true it is always packed to the brim, but its such an atmospheric place to hang on. Contrarily, the wine they serve doesnt actually taste of anything special, but one doesnt go to Gordon’s for accuracy, one goes for sheer novelty!
Wouldnt really agree with it being shunned because it is ‘old’ - if anything I think that’s the attraction of Gordons, it is purported to be London’s oldest surviving wine bar and it’s the vintage feel which gives it the atmospheric quality of drinking in an underground cellar/cave experience.