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Europe is full of great bars. And we should know, the Time Out team has drunk in a fair few of them.
The European Bar Guide has been releasing rankings of the best boozers in Europe since 2017, collating reviews of independent and quirky bars and pubs across the continent. This year, only one London bar made the cut, but it’s a classic.
Coming in hot at number 47 is Gordon’s Wine Bar by Charing Cross station in central London. The historic basement bar has been around since 1890 and – if you can face the often farcical queue to get in – is a real vibe inside. Kind of damp and kind of creepy, but also kind of romantic at the same time, it’s (probably) London’s oldest wine bar and a great place to share a platter of crackers and stinky cheese with a date. ‘A true one-off – which for London is saying something,’ says the European Bar Guide, which we think is a compliment.
Alas, Gordon’s has actually dipped in the top 100 ranking, as it was placed at number 44 last year. Maybe those queues have something to do with it.
The people behind the guide have scoured the continent for the very best watering holes offering the perfect balance of character, atmosphere, events, value for money, good food and, of course, good drinks. The highest ranking UK entry was the Holly Bush Inn in the village of Makeney, Derbyshire, which ranked at 17. And at number 1? Well, that was in Budapest.
The best bars in London, according to Time Out.
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