London certainly isn’t short of places to go to put away a glass of grapey goodness and put the world to rights. There seems to be a trendy new wine bar popping up on every corner these days, but there’s something about this golden oldie that just keeps Londoners (and out-of-towners) coming back for more. There’s a reason why Gordon’s wine bar (the oldest in the city, we’ll have you know) has been quenching the thirst of wine-loving Londoners for over 130 years: it’s pretty darn special.
Tucked away beneath the bustling streets of London, just moments from the West End, you’ll find a wine bar with beginnings that date all the way back to the late 1300’s. A bar filled with so much historic ambience, you simply can’t resist staying for a glass (or a bottle) and soaking up the irresistibly cosy atmosphere.
The building is steeped in history and believed to have been home to both Samuel Pepys and Rudyard Kipling before being restored to it’s cork-popping, glass-clinking, full-bodied glory in 1890. Whether you’re a history fiend or not; the moment you step foot inside this candlelit cavern, you can’t help but get swept up in it.
The walls are adorned with faded old newspaper cuttings, and the rickety tables are each kitted out with glistening candles. There’s an undeniably romantic mood to the place and although it may be a complete cliché in the world of London first date spots; if something works, work it hard – and Gordon’s wine bar just works.
It does what it says on the tin and boasts a strict wine-only policy, so don’t even think about ordering a beer – or even worse – a mojito (*gasps at the sheer blasphemy of the idea*). The wine list is essentially a roll call of the world’s finest wines and will take you on a journey across the globe so regardless of your preference or palate; you’ll find something here to whet your whistle nicely.
You simply can’t have wine without cheese and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the selection of over fifteen different cheeses they have on offer – can you brie-lieve it?
Whilst just a few feet above, the hustle and bustle of London life continues, down in this snug little cellar, time seems to slow down a bit and we must admit – there’s something pretty wine-derful about that feeling.
Plan your visit here.