Gordon's Wine Bar

The ever-popular Gordon’s purports to be the oldest wine bar in London. It’s a claim that rings true given the sepia-tint antiquity of the place: charming candlelit vaults, seen-better-days furniture, & darkly atmospheric Dickensian charm. Sherries, ports & Madeiras are served from the barrel, while the wine list demands close inspection, with over 30 available to sample by the glass before committing to uncommon bottles such as Sauvignon Blanc from Bangalore or Corsican Chardonnay. It’s thronged with lunchtime & post-5.30 office workers, the hubbub spilling out onto tables in a rear passageway. Food is what you’d expect of such an institution: pies, smoked fish & gratinees. We’re loath to commend the place more highly, as finding a table is already no mean feat.