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Gordon's

47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE Full details & map

Restaurants & cafés: British

Time Out says 6 Users say 4/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Jun 29 2010

Gordon's was established in its present form in 1890, but the exposed brickwork, flickering candlelight and tobacco-stained fixtures and fittings in the low basement vaults make it feel older still.

Like the crowds, which are younger and livelier than you might expect, the wine list is surprisingly modern, hopping readily from the classic regions of France to South America and beyond. But the real eye-catchers are the fortified wines drawn directly from casks behind the bar: ports, sherries and Madeiras that fit nicely with the resolutely uncomplicated buffet-style food (pies, salads, cheeseboards) and tapas in the evening.

When the subterranean rooms are crammed, which is often, it can get distinctly warm in the semi-darkness, but a drink or two here remains a classic London experience. And in summer, you can repair to the terrace alongside the Embankment Gardens for barbecued food with a cheeky Australian.

Tags: European, British, Business, Groups, Historic, Local flavour, Outdoor : Drinking, Outdoor : Dining, Something different, Wines, Central, Strand, Budget, Wine bar, Wine bar, Restaurant, Buffet

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Gordon's details

Address

Gordon's

47 Villiers Street WC2N 6NE

Transport Embankment tube or Charing Cross tube/rail

Telephone

020 7930 1408

Gordon's website

Open 11am-11pm Mon-Sat; noon-10pm Sun. Meals served noon-10pm Mon-Sat; noon-9pm Sun

Main courses £7.95-£10.95. House wine £13.95 bottle, £3.85 glass

Credit cards AmEx, MC, V

Facilities

Tables outdoors ( 20, pavement ), Babies and children admitted, Bookings not accepted

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Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 6 ratings)

By Steve - Feb 4 2012

I agree, I just recommended Gordon's to someone visiting from the US. Fantastic place. 10 stars.

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By Stephen - Dec 14 2011

5/5

Ignore the other review. This place is the business. Great food and marvellous wine.

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By OMG - Aug 8 2011

1/5

Do not go to this place: if you are from another country it will make you wonder at how one bar can be so full and so awful – and how the Brits put up with such shabby treatment in such a shabby place. If you are from the UK, you will be ashamed at what visitors must think of our country.
Gordon's claims to be the oldest wine bar in London, which is debatable, but it is definitely the most unpleasant bar in the capital: 10 minutes after we were sold a bottle of wine the staff began aggressively throwing people out, having given no notice of when they were closing. The group of people next to us – who had just bought a platter of cheese as well as drinks – were also being evicted with no warning. We all stood outside amazed at how rude and obnoxious a manager, and his staff, in the "hospitality" business could be.
When one of my companions protested at our treatment, she was abused over her appearance and for being American.
Gordon's clearly gets away with it because it is a tourist trap run by people with no regard for the law, English custom or plain civility. One to avoid.