Beaujolais Nouveau Day London 2026: Where to Drink on 19 November
Charing Cross Leads the Way for Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Every year, a small but loyal band of wine lovers marks the third Thursday in November with a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau, the first wine pressed from the gamay grapes harvested that season in France. This year, Beaujolais Nouveau Day falls on Thursday 19 November 2026, and London’s wine bars are gearing up for another busy evening. If you are looking for a starting point, head to Charing Cross. It is a short stroll from Trafalgar Square, so you can pair a pint of fresh air with a bit of people-watching before ducking into a bar.
Le Beaujolais has the honour of being London’s oldest French wine bar, and it has been part of the Beaujolais Nouveau tradition since it opened in 1972. Its approach is refreshingly straightforward. There are no bookings on the day, so turn up as a walk-in and join the crowd. Just be prepared to lose track of time.
Across the road in the Charing Cross area, Gordon’s Wine Bar is another institution with a long history. On 19 November, it is making an exception to its usual no-booking policy for a special breakfast running from 8am to 10.45am. Expect a full English, coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice, with fruity red wine served alongside. For anyone who cannot get the day off, Gordon’s will keep pouring Beaujolais for the rest of the month at more conventional hours.
Spitalfields and Marylebone Offer Something for Every Appetite
If a sit-down meal is more your style, two other venues have built full menus around the new wine. Galvin Bistro & Bar in Spitalfields opens its Beaujolais Day breakfast before midday, with croque monsieurs and plenty of French café charm. Lunch and dinner sittings are also available for those who prefer to start the day with a latte and save the wine for later. Spitalfields is a lively corner of east London, famous for its market and its mix of historic streets and modern eateries, so it is worth allowing extra time to wander before or after your meal.
Further west, La Fromagerie in Marylebone is taking a different angle. The team collects its Beaujolais Nouveau-Village from France in a Morgan sports car, a detail that gives the evening a charming bit of theatre. The chosen label is valued for its wild blackberry and blackcurrant flavours, which make it a good match for rich food. The Beaujolais Nouveau Supper features a three-course menu from Head Chef Alessandro Grano, with dishes including snails on toast, beef bourguignon and tarte tatin.
Both venues suit different plans. Galvin is ideal for an early, indulgent start, while La Fromagerie suits a relaxed evening with friends. Whichever you choose, booking ahead is wise, as these sittings tend to fill quickly on a day when many Londoners are looking for an excuse to celebrate.
Plan Ahead, Pace Yourself and Watch for Updates
For residents, the practical question is how to enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau Day without disrupting work or travel. Start by checking whether your workplace allows a late start or a flexible lunch, because several of these events begin early in the morning. Public transport is the easiest way to reach the West End and Charing Cross, and the same goes for Marylebone and Spitalfields. If you are visiting from outside the capital, you might combine the day with a wider sightseeing trip. A walk from Trafalgar Square toward the river can easily be paired with a visit to Tower Bridge later in the day, giving you a taste of London’s landmarks between glasses.
It is also worth remembering that the wine is young and lively, and that a few glasses can go a long way. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water and arrange a safe way home. Many of the venues are compact and busy, so plan for queues and be patient with staff who are working hard to keep up with demand.
Finally, keep an eye on announcements. The organisers of London’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day events have said the list will grow as more venues confirm their plans. Check each venue’s website or social media before you go, as opening times, menus and booking rules can change. Gordon’s extended offer through the rest of November also means the celebrations do not have to end on the 19th. For the latest updates on london events and attractions, check local listings closer to the date.
Source: Beaujolais Nouveau Day In London: Where To Drink On 19 November
Whether you’re a local or planning to visit London for the occasion, the city’s wine bars and bistros make 19 November a perfect day to toast the new vintage.
Pair a glass of fresh Beaujolais Nouveau with a stroll through the british museum‘s Great Court before heading to your evening wine bar.
