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For anyone who loves the Dickensian version of a London that was decidedly unposh and occasionally improper, a visit to Gordon’s, the oldest wine bar in the city, is an absolute must. It’s not a hidden gem by any means, though. Opened originally in 1890, the place has long been a favourite watering hole of a huge cross-section of people. From workers having a pint before taking the train home at the nearby Charing Cross station to curious tourist customers and committed day drinkers, this tiny candlelit vaulted cellar truly stands out as a unique experience.
For Emanuel, a Transat Sales and Services Supervisor and our host to a series of quirky London adventures, a visit to Gordon’s is always on his list of personal recommendations to quench the thirst of wine lovers!
The history of Gordon’s, the original underground
Founded in 1890 as Gordon’s Cafe and Oyster House by Angus Stafford Gordon, a free vintner (in other words, a winemaker) with special royal privileges to sell wine anywhere in London, this atmospheric cellar bar carries centuries of fascinating stories within its walls. The historic building above, known as Kipling House, welcomed notable residents including Samuel Pepys in the 1680s and Rudyard Kipling in the 1890s.
The bar passed through generations of the Gordon family, with Luis Gordon taking ownership in 1974 though unrelated to the original Gordon family, but bringing his expertise from the sherry trade. His wife Wendy Gordon and eldest son Simon Gordon now continue the legacy of the the family business, preserving its historic candlelit cellar atmosphere.
Distinguished patrons through the years have included literary giant G.K. Chesterton and Hollywood legends Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, who were drawn to the bar’s unique underground charm.
Inside the wine bar
“It has that great, busy terrace near the Thames, but you have to go inside to get the real feeling of the place. Where else can you have a drink in the cellar of a 17th-century public house!”
The patio at Gordon’s Wine Bar is indeed a draw, a lively collection of tables for an al fresco experience just off the pedestrian-friendly Villiers Street that connects to the Thames Embankment. But it’s just a prelude to the real show inside. The main bar is in the basement of a historic pub (short for public house), which sits under Kipling house, named after the author Rudyard Kipling who lived there in 1889.
Take a couple narrow steps down and enter into another era. The first room in Gordon’s stone wall basement is filled with dust-covered memorabilia and fading ancient newspaper clippings, which haven’t been added as a design touch but rather fit into the bar’s motto of “no change!”
From there, enter what can only be described as a cave, a semi-circular space with low ceilings and warm candlelight, that stretches out into a dark chamber dotted with small romantic cellar tables packed with fellow wine aficionados.
What about Gordon’s wine? And the food menu?
To be clear: the wine list doesn’t disappoint. Its award-winning picks has a huge selection of reds, whites, and champagnes, but, for so outwardly traditional a place, it holds a surprising range of natural and bio-dynamic wines.
Pair your selection with one of the cheeses hailing from the UK, France, Switzerland and more. There’s vegan options as well.
On Sundays, make sure to order a proper roast dinner, which features lamb, beef, chicken or pork, mashed potatoes, veggies and, of course, Yorkshire pudding. Just as loyal devotees of Gordon’s Wine Bar have been doing for well over a century.
Travel tips for going to Gordon’s Wine Bar in London, United Kingdom
Do you need to book ahead to get a table at Gordon’s Wine Bar in England?
Gordon’s Wine Bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most tables, making advance reservations impossible. The only exception is “The Cage” – a special table for groups up to 12 people requiring a £250 minimum spend with advance booking.
For the best chance at securing a spot, arrive early when the bar opens at 11 AM on weekdays or noon on Sundays. Peak times between 6-9 PM typically see the longest waits, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Gordon’s Wine Bar prices: is it expensive?
Despite its historic location and popularity, Gordon’s Wine Bar maintains reasonable prices with something for everyone on its wine list. A glass of house wine starts from £7, while bottles range from £25 to £90. Their renowned cheese platters cost between £14 and £18, offering generous portions perfect for sharing.
The British Special sharing board, paired with a bottle of house Bordeaux, provides excellent value at £45 for two people.
How to get to Gordon’s Wine Bar
- Wheelchair users should note there are steps down to the cellar bar area.
- Gordon’s Wine Bar is located at 47 Villiers Street between Trafalgar Square and the Thames, near Covent Garden.
- By tube: Take the Underground to Embankment station (Circle, District, Northern, or Bakerloo lines) and exit towards Villiers Street.
- By train: Charing Cross station provides direct access via its Villiers Street exit, just a 2-minute walk away.
- By bus: Multiple bus routes stop nearby including 6, 9, 15, 87, 91, and 176 at Trafalgar Square.
- By river bus: services stop at Embankment Pier, offering a scenic approach along the Thames.
