Gordon's Wine Bar, step back in time •

Visiting London? fancy a glass of wine? then why not head down
Villiers Street at the Embankment, seek out Gordon’s Wine Bar, enter by the side entrance carefully walk down the rickety steps and enter a world that transports you back in time.

Established in 1890 it’s said to be the oldest wine bar in London, Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1860’s and Rudyard Kipling who lived in the building in the 1890’s as a tenant.

On first entering the premises it seems like the decorators and in some respects, the cleaners have not been back since the 19th Century but then that’s the charm of the place. Inside it’s dark especially the cave-like celler area but beware anybody over 5’6″ as you risk bumping your head (be extra careful after a few glasses of wine).

Anybody wanting a beer, this is not the place, only wine is served here whether it be fizz, white, red or fortified including Sherry and Madeira there is something for everyone. The wine list is extensive if not particularly cheap a 175ml glass costing anywhere from £5.50 to £8, you can also buy a bottle.

No measures are used as everything is served in a 175ml glass which is filled to the brim, which takes a little getting use to. There is also hot buffet style food and a wonderful ‘Cheese Platter’ to accompany the wine. see here for menu.

We sampled some Riesling, Vinho Verde, then Cava, Cabernet Franc, and a ended with a very nice Lebanon red.

Beware In the summer it gets very busy (but you cannot book or reserve) there are tables outside running down an alley at the side of the bar which is used as a spillover

All in all a wonderful experience, enter a world full of dark candle lit tables, old dusty bottles, sherry casks, wooden walls covered in memorabilia and old newspaper cuttings. and of course a lovely selection of wines.