Gordons Wine Bar, Embankment, London

Is it possible I haven’t reviewed this place yet?? That can’t be.
a) I’m (currently) the champion
b) We share a name
But yes, this place is an institution. Get here early to bag some outside seating… the heaters are really good so this is even an option in the winter months.
However, be aware that they’ll kick you back inside after 10:30pm. Oh, and if you’ve just bought a whole bottle of wine at 10:25pm to take to your outdoor table they won’t mention it to you either.

Wino heaven. Snuggle up downstairs or smoke a cig outside in the ever-long terrace area. Very busy in the summer but worth a visit.

Quite a nice wine bar with a great cellar atmosphere. Good wines and some tasty snacks.

Cheese and Wine at Gordons. What more does life need.
A pleasure everytime.

A very interesting little place, handy for Embankment tube and Charing Cross station. An interesting range of wines served in a place with a near perfect atmosphere for wine tasting. Yes, I did think it expensive and yes, you do have to be careful of some of the people around you but these two criticisms would be pretty general criticisms of much of central London so I would suggest this is a place to try rather than avoid.

I had no trouble getting a seat so if you can go at a quiet time you don’t have to stoop in the caverns. I’m not saying when the quiet time is – I quite fancy going back sometime!

This is a quirky little place if you like wine. It’s nice outside in the summer, they’ve got a big terrace and a few tables. It kind of smells inside but it’s got cheeses and strong smelling anitpasti so that’s most likely why. You can get a bottle of wine for £15.

If you're in London and you like wine, this is an address you might like. It's weird dark place, that offers nice wines and delicious cheese in the cellars.
In summer it can also be very nice to sit outside - although they close the outside seating kind of early, and last time I sat outside the staff that was clearing the outside seating was not very friendly.

But anyway, still not the worst place to enjoy same bread with cheese and a good wine.

Great wine selection.
I love to come in the winter and cosy up downstairs by candle light.
They now have outdoor seating, so its good to visit in the summer also.
Often end up with a plate of bread and cheese. Generous portions.
Couldn't think of a better place to spend time with friends/partner.
Some people do not like it as they don't sell beer...

Like almost everyone else in London (or so it sometimes seems on sunny days when even the outdoor area is more squashed than a sardine tin), I love the olde-worlde history and romanticism of Gordon's. I've never yet managed to snaffle a table seat in the dark caverns inside, despite many an attempt being foiled by those with sharper eyesight and elbows than I. But I love the dark wood interior, the bare brick walls and the candles in bottles on every surface. It all adds up to a gorgeous intimate atmosphere - even when you're being jostled by what can feel like half the West End to get served. And the wine and the cheese? It doesn't take much more than wine and cheese to make me happy, but factor in the quality of the aforementioned food and booze, plus the historical memorabilia at every turn, and I'm one happy wino. As long as I manage to fight off the hordes and nab a seat.

Lovely to sit outside Gordons all evening, plenty of seating, but still packed! They had a little wooden outdoor bar which was handy. Hanging around to get a seat is worth it. Great atmosphere, it only loses points for queues to the ladies. Only 2 loos, and hundreds of women! not a pleasant experience to miss all the fun whilst standing in a queue for 15 minutes each time.

I would say get there early to get a seat, but I've never seen it quiet, so maybe you have to camp out?

Nonetheless, it's a great place to meet people in this part of town, and you'd be hard pressed to find another place Londoners are universally in love with.

This ancient subterranean wine bar is an absolute must-see for anyone in London with even a passing interest in quaffing wine. Sitting in the darkest bowels of the bar, underneath street level is about as close as you'll get in the capital to hanging out in a cave, which is an experience not to be missed!

The actual wines on offer vary from eminently affordable house stuff to higher-end varieties, and there's something to suit most tastes. Don't miss out on the cheese plate, which goes down particularly nicely with the vino.

I think this place is overrated. It seems to have managed to establish its dank and unkempt interior (you actually get random drops of what I hope is water falling on your head!) as a trendy institution. Well done Gordon's! It's overcrowded and pricey, with pick pockets literally doing the rounds every 5 minutes. It does have a good choice of wines and a decent selection of good looking (if not a little posey) clientelle. However I think there are better places in london for this, where don't feel like you need a shower after visiting!

I simply love love love this place - it's an amazing cozy cave! Perfect for a gloomy winter day. Great place to go with your parter or a small group of friends and while away a few hours with a bottle of red and lots of cheese served with crusty bread, I don't think it gets any better.

If you're lucky you may just spot Fagin in the background.... Or hear a faint chorus of 'You've got to pick a pocket or two' through the walls.
Essentially it is like having drinks in a cave. A very romantic one at that. You expect there to be a damp stench coming from the sewers, and a rosy-cheeked lady of the night accosting the male clientele.
There is so much character here you expect to see apparitions from a Christmas Carol. But don't be fooled by the seedy, claustrophobic appearance. This is a Balmy, Barmy and raucous tavern. A place to go with a lover, or a group of friends. After dinner drinks or before bed-time winks. Just don't expect a quiet, sophisticated glass of Sancerre though. I'm not saying it's a hang-out for peasants, more like a haunt for the wealthy and pleasant who enjoy Le Coq de' Argent's horny and hedonistic long-lost cousin.
Gordon’s' is not as intimidating as it sounds. Yes it may be brash, black and boisterous, but it has got more atmosphere and character than an empire of generic wine bars. More like a naughty puppy rather than docile sheep-dog.
Make sure you get a candle-lit table in the bunker. Even if you have to wait until the next World War is over. It is worth it. I have never been to such a place brimming with so much energy and a feeling of conviviality. A place where you can forget about the outside world and fantasise about more simple times. A place where conversation has no barriers and boundaries and is inclusive to all.
Though it might not look much from the outside this is not just any old place....

This is Gordon’s place.

I LOVE YOU.

Despite the long wait for a seat, this is one of the best bars in london.
Make sure you try the cheese platter, it is one of the best selections I have seen for its small price.

Also make sure to try the "wine of the moment" they're always a great choice

Stunning wines (especially delicious rose) fab earthy tucked away venue and delicious tucker. Maybe we shouldn't tell everyone else how amazing it is.
My fave place to drink!
;-)
www.joshwardgardendesign.com

we have had fun . full of nice people. simply will be back again.

Definately the place to be for some cheese and wine!! Love it, but gets very full:-)

Not for serious wine lovers due to a fairly poor selection, served in nasty little glasses. I understand it's good for port and sherry, but this Gibbon is a fan of neither.

Great ambience down in the cellar, of course, and the outside terrace is good.