A drink at Gordon's is like a rite of passage for many Londoners. Most come to it through word of mouth - described as 'that bar above Embankment station' and 'the tiny shoebox above Embankment station', it is, as you've probably guessed by now, a small and intimate wine bar nestled above the bustling Embankment Station. Inside, it's a rabbit warren of tunnels, bar stools and candlelit seating areas, and, when a train rumbles by the rooms visibly shudder.

The atmosphere - unique to wine bars - is beautifully convivial, with deep, gorgeous reds being quaffed by a mixed crowd of local professionals and the after-work crowd, straddling barrels and crates. There's an outdoor seating area for beautiful summer days (or, because we're in London, just summer days) and a small canteen serving bread, olives, cheese and other bar snacks. So what about the wines? There are the usual suspects - high quality French and New World wines from Chile and Argentina, along with an outstanding selection of punchy fortified wines. It's often cramped, but buzzes with the stories of a hundred Londoners and the tinkling of glass. An essential experience.

Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 11:00 - 23:00, Sunday: 12:00 - 22:00