Tipped

The crushed grape catacombs

January 08, 2009

Basically, what the other guys said. I love Gordon's mainly because I love wine, and they have a great selection here, but also because I like being in places that are underground with arches (Shunt, bug bar, etc).

Warning: on prime time nights (thurs etc) this place can be a bit full of suits - which is why it doesn't qualify for 5.

Keywords: wine, underground, good atmosphere, good wines,

Going underground

September 02, 2008

There is something seductive about this place. Very good wine and cheese served to be drunk about wooden tables in underground caverns lit only by candles. Convinced yet?

I have waited a long time to go to Gordon's, having been teased by it a couple of times, too full to go in once, and closed on another occasion. This time Partner-in-Crime and I went early on a (bank holiday) Sunday evening and there were two seats waiting for us in the darkest and lowest tunnel.

The wine was fantastic, so was the conversation, and was full of couples as, like my good friend Charles O points out, it is probably the most perfect place for a date. The more claustrophobic person may not enjoy the limited headroom and lack of light, but there's a great terrace outside for those that way inclined (and, indeed, the smokers). I imagine that sitting out here doesn't quite have the same 'Gordon's Magic' about it, though.

Inevitably there is one, tiny, downside to all of this: the constant reminders (posters on the doors, notices on the tables) that it is unfortunately a bit of a crime hotspot. They do serve their purpose well though and keep you aware, and this together with the proper bag hooks I suppose makes it highly unlikely that anything will get stolen. Don't let the thought of it put you off. Go, and see if you can time a few drinks well enough to escape from the underground world in time for a dusk walk along the river. Lovely.

Keywords: underground, wine, candlelit, cheese

ultimate date place

October 31, 2007

Gordon's wine bar is an institution - they don't sell any beer - only wine, and not your usual gastro / Yate's size wine glass - a small dignified sized glass. The bar itself is dark and cavernous and is the perfect place for:

1) a date - taking someone here shows that you have class and probably read books and might be slightly interesting - the fact that you can't guzzle pints or ridiculous cocktails.

2) a scheme - you haven't seen your friend in a while and you need a sympathetic ear to help chew over some idea or what not - makes you seem like you're plotting a revolution (what with the cave and the wine)

3) a drink - Gordon's is actually just a great place to have a drink whatever the occasion - I've never eaten the food but it looks and smells delicious.