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-   -   wine bar in London (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/wine-bar-in-london-633586/)

bboru Jul 24th, 2006 12:25 PM

wine bar in London
 
Hello All-I stumbled upon a wine bar in London a few years back. It was underground, almost in a vault, and I believe it was near the Embankment Tube stop. They also had some outdoor seating up top, but the inside was very funky, almost carved out of the earth. Definitely a hidden gem. Does anyone recognize the description? It was possibly a man's name "Gordon's" maybe. I'm hoping to recommend it to some friends.

Thanks,

Bill

W9London Jul 24th, 2006 12:34 PM

I know the place that fits your description. It IS Gordon's Wine Bar.
One of the oldest wine bars--though there are more upscale places these days.
http://www.gordonswinebar.com

walkinaround Jul 24th, 2006 01:05 PM

good place but a victim of its popularity. it's very difficult to enjoy as it is usually too crowded to get anywhere near the preferred seating in the tunnels. the outdoor area is most unappealing and feels just like an overflow. standing by the food counter is equally uninspiring. try early afternoon for the best luck in getting a cosy seat.

janisj Jul 24th, 2006 02:56 PM

Yep, Gordon's Wine Bar for sure - but no "hidden" gem. It is very crowded most times.

jahoulih Jul 24th, 2006 05:20 PM

Just curious - is Gordon's by any chance the basis for Pommeroy's Wine Bar, where Rumpole of the Bailey drank Chateau Thames Embankment?

JudyC Jul 24th, 2006 06:51 PM

No idea about the possible location for Pommeroy's, but Gordon's seems a bit far from the Inns of Court for Rumpole to stagger to; perhaps the one in Inner Temple?

PatrickLondon Jul 25th, 2006 01:01 AM

I think Pomeroy's was meant to suggest El Vino's or possibly the Wig and Pen; they're both on Fleet Street.

Josser Jul 25th, 2006 03:15 AM

Unfortunately, the egregious Steves has discovered Gordons.
It used to be a hidden gem to all but locals but I asume that locals no longer use it.

audere_est_facere Jul 25th, 2006 03:21 AM

It's still popular with the locals - although as others have said it is really rather too popular to be enjoyable.

I don't go there that often (as it is so crowded) but I haven't noticed a "Steves Effect"

Josser Jul 25th, 2006 07:07 AM

Have a look at
http://www.ricksteves.com/tvr/pledge...ic/lon_eat.htm

He recommends Gordon's, sigh.

audere_est_facere Jul 25th, 2006 07:22 AM

I've just looked at that site and my God, but it's a load of bollocks.

"A cup of darts is freely available". Is my favourite. In the West End?

And anyone who recommends the Mr Wu buffets is clearly having a Steffi.

janisj Jul 25th, 2006 08:07 AM

You will find (and hope this doesn't turn the thread into a pro/anti RS debate - there are fanatics on both sides) Anyway -- you will find the while RS may have some terrific information for other parts of Europe, some things he says about the UK are silly - or just plain wrong.


bboru Jul 25th, 2006 10:31 AM

Thanks for the replies. I was there about eight or so years ago and it was not terribly crowded, but I couldn't get near the inside in 2003. You are right "walkinaround", we did sit outside and it felt a little like an afterthought. I'll tell my friends to try for a little after lunch refreshment, rather than early evening.

Thanks again!

Bill


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