London Pub Crawls for Wine Lovers: Sip Your Way Across the City

Wine pub crawls in London aren’t just a trend—they’re a full-on movement. The city’s legendary pub culture is getting a new twist, swapping pints for glasses of Tempranillo or a cool Picpoul. Anyone up for a crawl that blends London’s buzzing vibe with some of the best wine around?

Unlike the classic bar hop where you knock back lagers in packed taprooms, wine crawls mean chiller vibes, small pours, and actual conversation. And you don’t need to be a wine snob or know your Bordeaux from your Beaujolais. London, with its huge range of wine bars and pubs that focus on the grape, is the perfect playground for anyone curious about exploring new wines by the glass without the stuffiness.

The great thing about doing this in London? You get everything in one night—old-school pubs with hidden cellars, family-run wine rooms, and new-wave natural wine bars. All in walking distance, if you’re smart about your route. The city is packed with options from Soho down to Bermondsey, so you’ll always have a fresh spot for your next round. Bring mates—wine’s always better with a crowd—and keep your Oyster card handy, just in case your legs give out somewhere between Covent Garden and Shoreditch.

• Why Wine Pub Crawls are Booming in London
• Top Routes and Neighbourhoods for Wine Lovers
• Must-Try Wine Bars and Venues
• Tips for a Smooth and Fun Wine Crawl

Why Wine Pub Crawls are Booming in London

If you’ve noticed more people clutching stemmed glasses instead of pints on a Friday night walk through Soho, you’re not imagining things. London’s social scene is changing, and wine pub crawls are on the rise for a bunch of straightforward reasons.

For starters, Londoners are curious about new flavours. Over the last decade, the number of wine bars in London has nearly doubled. Places like Gordon’s (London’s oldest wine bar, open since 1890) and Vagabond (where you can pour your own by the glass) are packed most evenings. Unlike traditional pub crawls, these gatherings invite you to actually taste something different at each stop, swapping lager fatigue for discovery.

The experience is also more laid-back and social. Wine bars tend to have comfy seating, good lighting, and sometimes even live acoustic music. This makes it easy to spend more time at each place instead of shuffling along for the next round. Plus, the small-pour culture means you sample lots without getting totally plastered—or running up a huge bill.

This trend fits with how Londoners want to spend their time: more focused on quality and experience. Big events like London Wine Week (now part of London Wine Sessions) have made wine tasting more accessible. And with an explosion in natural and organic wines, the city draws a younger crowd curious about trying something beyond what the supermarket offers. According to a 2024 survey published by The Drinks Business, 42% of London drinkers aged 25-40 prefer wine bars over traditional pubs for group nights out.

You’ll also see that London pub crawls focused on wine offer new experiences every time—whether you’re hitting the arches in Bermondsey or tucked into a spot in Marylebone. The city’s diversity really shows up in a glass. From South African natural reds in Brixton, to French classics in the West End, every crawl feels different.

For London’s crowd—locals, expats, even tourists looking for something less predictable than another craft beer tour—wine pub crawls deliver that mix of variety, comfort, and a hint of adventure. No wonder they’re surging everywhere you look.

Top Routes and Neighbourhoods for Wine Lovers

If you’re hunting for the best spots to do a London pub crawl for wine fans, where you go really makes or breaks the night. London isn’t short on areas packed with wine bars, but a few neighbourhoods stand out for their sheer number and vibe.

Soho & Covent Garden: Central London is a sweet starting point if you want that classic night out with a bit of everything. Places like The 10 Cases, Barrafina (wine and tapas, always a win), and Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels put you right in the middle of easy walking routes. Soho streets buzz till late, so you can hop from spot to spot and mix small plates with sips.

Bermondsey: If warehouse-style wine stops are your thing, start near London Bridge and head down Bermondsey Street. There’s 40 Maltby Street (foodies love this place), The Tap & Bottle, and Bar Tozino under the railway arches. Great for groups who want less crowd and more character.

East London – Shoreditch & Hackney: This part of town is full of indie wine hangouts and new-wave natural wine bars. Passione Vino is run by a team with real passion for Italian wines, and Sager + Wilde does an ever-changing wine list with a chilled-out crowd. It’s a good pick if you like a trendier scene and want bottles you won’t find at Tesco.

Notting Hill & Kensington: Fancy something a bit posher? Try Kensington Wine Rooms or Portobello Road’s Negozio Classica for a crawl where you can sip and people-watch. You’re likely to catch some regulars who know their stuff—don’t be shy to ask what’s good by the glass.

• Map your crawl ahead—Google Maps or Citymapper makes switching neighbourhoods dead easy.
• Most London wine bars take bookings, but a few keep tables for walk-ins. Worth checking before you go, especially on weekends.
• If you want to avoid the post-work rush, start earlier—think 5pm to catch happy hour deals.
• For a real adventure, don’t just stick to bars. Some bottle shops, like Newcomer Wines in Dalston, double as cosy wine-tasting spots.

The great bit about these London areas is choice. You can do two venues in one postcode for a laid-back night or tick off four or five if you’re feeling energetic. Either way, you’ll find a heap of variety in every glass.

Must-Try Wine Bars and Venues

London’s wine scene has gone up a notch—there are now more cool wine bars than you can visit in a day. Here’s the short list of places where you’ll actually remember the wine as much as the night out. Whether you’re in it for a full-on tasting or just want a good glass with mates, these spots cover all the bases. For the classic London pub crawls with a wine twist, these venues are a must.

St. John, Smithfield: It’s famous for British nose-to-tail food, but regulars know the bar’s wine list shines. Think loads of French options and a chilled vibe perfect to start your crawl. Get a glass of their house white with something off the daily menu.

Gordon’s Wine Bar, Embankment: This spot is basically a rite of passage. Claiming to be the oldest wine bar in the city (opened in 1890), it’s packed every evening, and for good reason. Queue up for a candlelit table in the cave-like cellar and grab a port or sherry with a slab of cheddar.

Sager + Wilde, Hackney: If you want new and natural wines, this is the one. The original spot on Hackney Road only serves by the glass or bottle and has serious street cred—grab their grilled cheese if you’re peckish. They switch their list often, so every visit feels fresh.

The 10 Cases, Covent Garden: It’s tiny, so book early. The whole draw here is the menu: just ten whites and ten reds at any time, plus “cases” of interesting bottles. It feels relaxed, never snooty, and changes things up a lot so you’ll always find something new.

Bar Douro, London Bridge: Dreaming of Portuguese wine? This is your spot. Their list is crammed with bottles from the Douro Valley and Vinho Verde. Sit at the tiled bar, share petiscos, and pick up a new grape variety—don’t sleep on the vinho tinto.

If you’re wondering how these places compare on key details, here’s an at-a-glance table to help you plan your route:

Keep in mind, Londoners often pop in for one and move on, so don’t feel pressured to make a whole evening of one place. If you’re group-hopping and want table space, bookings help, but most casual wine pubs do walk-ins for smaller groups. Oh—and check apps like Vivino to track any new bottles you end up loving.

Tips for a Smooth and Fun Wine Crawl

Keeping things fun (and manageable) during a London wine pub crawl is all about a bit of planning and a few smart moves while you're out. Here’s what seasoned regulars swear by:

• Plan Your Route: Don’t just wing it. Map your crawl in advance, ideally sticking to areas like Soho, Bermondsey, or King's Cross where wine bars are close together. Use Google Maps or the Citymapper app—no one wants to walk 40 minutes between glasses.
• Stick to Small Pours: Many London wine bars offer tasting flights or serve by the glass. It’s the best way to try more without finishing the night early. Places like Gordon’s Wine Bar or Humble Grape list options for 125ml pours, which are perfect for pacing yourself.
• Book Ahead: Trendy spots like Noble Rot or Vinoteca fill up fast on weekends. Reserve a table online, especially if there’s a group, so you’re not stuck outside clutching your glass in the cold.
• Snack Along the Way: Drinking on an empty stomach is a rookie mistake. Look out for cheese platters or charcuterie—most wine bars, like Sager + Wilde, do brilliant sharing boards. Even pub crawls need fuel.
• Mind the Last Orders: Many London venues call last orders by 11pm, and some wine bars close even earlier during the week. Check closing times so your crawl doesn’t fizzle out before you’re ready.
• Stay Hydrated: The Thames might be close by, but you should be drinking water between rounds. Most bars are happy to give you a tap water top-up with your wine.

If you’re new to London pub crawls focused on wine, remember the city’s tap water is perfectly drinkable—so ask for it. Loads of venues are also happy for you to take photos, but try not to be that person with flash on in a candlelit cellar. If you’re using contactless or Apple Pay, you’ll find almost everywhere takes cards now, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a fiver or two, just in case you end up in a cash-only hideaway like Gordon's.

To give you an idea of how much to budget, here's a quick look at average prices for a glass of wine at some top venues:

Last bit of advice? Don’t stress too much about wine rules. London is super relaxed, and most bartenders love chatting about what’s on the pour. Ask for samples, share bottles, mix it up, and enjoy whatever’s in your glass—no pretence needed.