Beaujolais Nouveau Day 2026: Where to Drink in London on 19 November
Where Londoners Are Raising a Glass on 19 November
Every year, the third Thursday of November turns into a small celebration across the capital. Beaujolais Nouveau is the first wine of the season, made from gamay grapes picked in France only weeks earlier, and it has a loyal following in London. Some wine lovers grumble about its youthful, fruity style, but many of us simply enjoy the excuse to meet friends on a weekday. This year that day falls on Thursday 19 November 2026, and the city’s bars and restaurants are already preparing.
The heart of the action is Charing Cross, where Le Beaujolais has been running its own tradition since it opened in 1972. It is one of the oldest French wine bars in the city, and on this day it is walk-ins only, so arrive early and expect a lively crowd. A few minutes away, Gordon’s Wine Bar is opening its doors for a breakfast session, a rare treat in a neighbourhood better known for lunchtime commuters. If you are heading that way, you can take in the view towards Whitehall London, with its government buildings and the grand ceremonial streets that define this part of town, before settling in for a glass.
These venues matter because they keep a small piece of French café culture alive in the middle of the West End. For residents, they are places to meet, and for visitors they offer a relaxed alternative to the busier tourist strips.
The Businesses and People Behind the Celebrations
Behind every glass poured on Beaujolais Nouveau Day is a team working early. At Galvin Bistro & Bar in Spitalfields, the kitchen is gearing up for breakfasts that begin well before midday, with croque monsieurs as the headline dish. The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner sittings, which suits anyone who needs a strong coffee before tackling a glass of gamay. For the staff, the day means early starts and a packed dining room, but it is also one of the busiest and most enjoyable days of their year.
Further west, La Fromagerie Marylebone has a particular story to tell. The team collects its Beaujolais Nouveau-Village directly from France, and the wine’s wild blackberry and blackcurrant character is the reason it was chosen. Head Chef Alessandro Grano has built a three-course supper around it, with options such as snails on toast, beef bourguignon and tarte tatin. For local diners, this is a chance to try a more considered menu alongside a wine that is only available for a short window each year.
For independent restaurants and bars, these events are a real boost during a quiet part of the season. Each booking and walk-in supports the people who keep these businesses running, from kitchen porters to front-of-house teams who know their regulars by name.
What Residents Should Know Before You Go
If you plan to join in, a little preparation goes a long way. Most of the venues operate on a walk-in basis, but Gordon’s is making an exception to its usual no-booking policy for its early breakfast, so it is worth arriving soon after opening. Galvin and La Fromagerie are best approached with a reservation, especially for the supper, where seats will go quickly. Remember that all of the events are on 19 November unless stated otherwise, and the list will be updated as more venues announce plans.
Do not forget that the day is still a working one for many of us. Pace yourself, plan your journey home in advance, and make sure you can get back safely after a long afternoon. If you have a free evening, many of these spots are within easy reach of the Underground, and a stroll afterwards can take you past landmarks such as London Big Ben, which looks particularly striking after dark. For those who want to make a full day of it, a visit to a London museum or a current London exhibition makes a good counterpoint to the wine.
Finally, keep an eye on announcements from the venues themselves. If Gordon’s continues to serve Beaujolais for the rest of the month at a more regular hour, as it has indicated, that could be the easiest option for those who cannot take the day off. Whichever way you celebrate, the best approach is to enjoy the wine responsibly and support the local businesses that make the day special.
Source: Beaujolais Nouveau Day In London: Where To Drink On 19 November
Whether you’re planning a pub crawl or a quiet glass by the river, this guide helps you visit London Beaujolais hotspots on 19 November.
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Just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, several St James’s wine bars are pouring Beaujolais Nouveau this year, making them an easy stop for a November tasting.
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