Embankment pubs

This is one of London's most beautiful districts, especially at night when the view across the Thames is at its most enchanting. It inspires feelings of pride in being a Londoner.

Gordon's Wine Bar, 47 Villiers St, WC2N 6NE

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The entrance to Gordon's on Villiers Street is shabby and uninviting, and looks much like a closed-down 1950s stationary store. I stepped in, descended a flight of stairs and found myself in a wholly unexpected world. Set in a Victorian basement, it has two areas: one clad in old wooden panelling, which continues the slightly down-at-heel mood set by the upstairs entrance; and a long cellar room lit only by candles and the odd bulb, with a vaulted ceiling so low even I had trouble standing in it. It's this room that is so special; an original Victorian wine cellar left pretty much untouched (the walls even ooze damp after a prolonged spell of rain outside.) Sitting in the cramped half-darkness drinking excellent wine and listening to the peculiar sound distortions, with no TV, music or gaming machines, it was easy to imagine this was one of the beer cellars so popular in 18th century London. Good food and a superb choice of wines only increased my good mood. Very, very popular, and busy at just about all times of day, it's well worth getting here early enough to nab a seat in the cellar and relax over a bottle of wine or two. One of the best establishments in the West End.

Reviewed by Fred Flange, Jan 2005

Telephone: 020 7930 1408

Nearby pubs: Ship and Shovell, 2-3 Craven Passage (140 metres), The Theodore Bullfrog, 28 John Adam Street (110 metres), The Sherlock Holmes, 10 Northumberland Street (140 metres)

Nearest station: Embankment, Zone 1 (100 metres)

Ship and Shovell, 2-3 Craven Passage, WC2N 5PH

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"Blimey, its not crowded!"...is my first impression on entering this establishment at lunchtime. I approached the bar and was acknowledged straight away, chose from a wonderous variety of beer, the selection of which would have most ale fanciers creaming in their pants. That unpleasant image aside, the service was friendly and the ambience relaxing: bluesy tunes playing on the jukebox and people chatting quietly. If all this isn't enough, the second half of this pub is directly opposite - across a narrow road. A unique pub and a memorable experience

Reviewed by Paul Melton, Dec 2003

Telephone: 020 7839 1311

Nearby pubs: Gordon's Wine Bar, 47 Villiers St (140 metres), Walkers of Whitehall, 15 Craigs Court, Whitehall (150 metres), The Silver Cross, 33 Whitehall (160 metres), The Theodore Bullfrog, 28 John Adam Street (180 metres), The Sherlock Holmes, 10 Northumberland Street (10 metres)

Nearest station: Charing Cross, Zone 1 (110 metres)