Gordons Wine bar

Gordon's Wine Bar is a beloved London institution, hidden in a network of candlelit cellars beneath Villiers Street, just steps from the Thames and Embankment station. Established in 1890, it claims to be the oldest wine bar in London. The interior is a time capsule: low brick vaults, wooden barrels, and shelves lined with dusty bottles. The bar serves a wide selection of wines, ports, and sherries, along with simple food like cheese platters, pies, and sandwiches. In warmer months, the outdoor terrace overlooking the Embankment gardens is a popular spot. The atmosphere is convivial and unpretentious, attracting a mix of office workers, tourists, and regulars. The dim lighting and historic ambiance make it feel like a secret hideaway from the bustling city above.

Don't miss

• Sip a glass of port in the atmospheric vaulted cellar
• Enjoy a cheese platter with crusty bread and chutney
• Sit on the outdoor terrace overlooking Embankment Gardens
• Browse the walls covered in vintage wine memorabilia and photos
• Try a classic sherry or a glass of claret from the cask

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Gordons Wine bar

Cheapest way inHistoric Pub Walking Tour of London5★ · 579 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Most bookedLondon Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs5★ · 11,296 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$39 per personSee dates →Top ratedBooze, Brothels & The Bard: A Walking Tour of London's Bawdy Borough5★ · 104 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$27 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Cash only at some times – bring cash or check before ordering.
• Limited mobile reception in the cellar due to thick walls.
• Seating is first-come, first-served; expect to share tables.
• Wine is served by the glass or bottle; ask staff for recommendations.

A bit of history

Gordon's opened in 1890 and has operated continuously, surviving both World Wars. The cellars are part of a 17th-century house once owned by diarist Samuel Pepys, though the bar itself dates from the late 19th century.