The European Bar Guide have just published their annual list of the top 100 bars in Europe. A roll call of the best and booziest bars on the entire continent; a spot on the list is pretty sought after in the world of watering holes. And I come bearing some delightful news, folks. Because not one, but two legendary London establishments have managed to score a spot on the list.

Coming in at number 44 on the European Bar Guide’s list is London’s oldest wine bar, Gordon’s. Drenched in history and glass-clinkingly gorgeous; this candlelit cavern has been quenching the capital’s thirst since 1890 – but has plenty of stories to tell from long before that. Nestled beneath the bustling streets of the West End, Gordon’s Wine Bar was supposedly home to both Samuel Pepys and Rudyard Kipling at some point in its life, and is adorned with old newspaper cuttings that document its long and illustrious existence.

It’s not particularly difficult to see how this historic gem has been hailed as one of the best bars in Europe. It’s irresistibly cosy, undeniably romantic, and filled to the brim with history, charm, and – of course – the world’s finest wines. What more could you possibly want from a wine bar? Well, perhaps cheese. But, guess what? They’ve got plenty of that, too!

You’ll find Gordon’s Wine Bar at 47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE.

Nearest stations are Embankment and Charing Cross.

Very mildly pipping Gordon’s to the post, and sliding into the 40th spot on the list, is one of the capital’s beloved backstreet boozers, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. A name that’s often thrown about in the unresolved argument of which London pub is the oldest; this well-trodden tavern has truly stood the test of time, dating all the way back to 1538. Blimey.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is renowned for its literary links, having been frequently visited (and written about) by some of the capital’s most noteworthy writers and publishers. It even got a mention in A Tale of Two Cities. And if its good enough for Dickens, it’s most certainly good enough for me. It’s unpretentious and utterly charming – and we’re delighted that the beer-buffs at the European Bar Guide seem to love it just as much as we do.

145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BP.

Nearest stations are Blackfriars and Chancery Lane.

Read The European Bar Guide’s list of the top 100 bars in Europe here.

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