London SE1 > News & Features > July 1999

Vinopolis arrives in London's Larder

Vinopolis - City of Wine promises a "world tour" through twenty themed rooms from the remains of a Roman wine store to a bubble clad lift taking visitors to Champagne. This "adult-only entertainment for wine lovers" includes a ride on a Vespa through an Italian landscape and a simulated air flight over an Australian vineyard. You will have to "climb the Andes" to get from Chile to Argentina.
All this is being put together under the railway arches between Park Street and Stoney Street. Wine writer Hugh Johnson says: "I cannot think of a better place to enjoy all the pleasures of wine than the extraordinary arches of Vinopolis." Other wine experts advising Vinopolis include Oz Clarke who says that Vinopolis will be "a great place to entertain".

The official launch of the project is on Thursday 22 July at Vintners' Hall on the north end of Southwark Bridge where Ambassadors from wine producing countries will be welcomed. Later in the day guests will process to Bankside where Culture Secretary Chris Smith is expected to formally open Vinopolis. The public will be admitted from 10am the following day. The entrance is at Bank End and admission will cost £10.

Meanwhile the vast size of the complex -the largest new attraction to open in the capital this year- is causing some anxiety among nearby residents as the huge banqueting areas are expected to mean large numbers of people arriving and leaving in the evenings. Already the London Tourist Board is planning to host a 600 strong party there ahead of the opening.

See also Attractions & Museums: Vinopolis - City of Wine

Tickets can be booked on-line at www.vinopolis.co.uk