London's Ultimate Guide to Beaujolais Nouveau Day 2025
While the third Thursday of November might seem like any ordinary day to most, for wine enthusiasts worldwide it marks one of the most anticipated events in the calendar - Beaujolais Nouveau Day. This year, the celebration falls on Thursday, November 20, 2025, when the first wines from France's Beaujolais region are officially released.
Beaujolais Nouveau holds the unique distinction of being the world's fastest wine. As a vin de primeur, it's designed for immediate consumption shortly after harvest. French law strictly prohibits sales before 12.01am on Beaujolais Nouveau Day, creating a frenzy among wine lovers who eagerly await that first taste.
Where to Celebrate in London
London has wholeheartedly embraced this French tradition, with numerous establishments across the capital hosting special events, tastings, and themed menus. Here are the top venues where you can join the festivities.
The Plimsoll in north London transforms into a Lyonnaise-inspired haven on Tuesday, November 25. Their special Beaujolais Nouveau bottle menu features selections from Château Cambon and Magnums from Jean-Claude Lapal. Head Chef John Swinney complements these fruity wines with regional dishes including beef tartare with chips and John Dory meuniere.
Noble Rot partners with Parisian bistro Vantre for an exclusive one-night takeover. For £125 per person (excluding wine and service), guests can enjoy Marco Pelletier's curated wine list alongside Satria Vue's culinary creations like Cantonese steamed turbot and wild fowl and foie gras wellington. Budget-conscious visitors can attend the free tasting session from 4.30pm-7pm at their Lamb's Conduit Street location.
Le Beaujolais in Covent Garden offers perhaps the most authentic experience, being named after the wine itself. This established French wine bar provides the perfect setting to sample the new vintage amidst decades of celebration history.
Toklas Bakery presents an educational opportunity with six different Beaujolais varieties from various producers, allowing guests to compare colours and flavours like true connoisseurs. The £40 per person experience includes Lyonnaise bouchon (French nibbles) to accompany your tasting.
The Jugged Hare offers a lavish five-course French menu by chef Rafael Liuth for £65 per person. Drawing inspiration from Lyon's culinary traditions, the menu features unusual delicacies like pike quenelles and cervelle du canut, each course thoughtfully paired with Beaujolais Nouveau.
The Buxton in east London collaborates with award-winning Lyons restaurant Le Kitchen for its celebration. Chef Connie Zagora makes her London debut with a four-course organic regional menu for £60 per person, followed by generous wine servings.
Gordon's Wine Bar, London's oldest wine establishment, begins festivities unusually early at 8am with their Beaujolais Nouveau Breakfast. Early risers can enjoy glasses of the new vintage alongside full English breakfast, coffee and orange juice. Less adventurous drinkers can sample the wine in their basement vaults throughout November.
Top Cuvée hosts dual celebrations across its venues. The Highbury location offers a four-course set menu featuring rabbit saddle and apple tarte tatin for £65, while the Shoreditch bar throws a wine-fueled party with hot dogs and two-for-one Beaujolais deals all evening.
Davy's at Vintners Yard in Greenwich provides a comprehensive Beaujolais experience for £45 per person. Beyond the latest vintage, guests can sample various Beaujolais wines, participate in a 'Guess the Beaujolais' game, and enjoy French cheese and charcuterie. A prize awaits the best French fancy dress of the evening.
La Fromagerie goes the extra mile by racing across the Channel to secure crates of Beaujolais Nouveau-Village, noted for its fruity blackberry and blackcurrant notes. Their £60 menu features snails on toast, beef bourguignon, and a signature cheese board to complement the wine.
Making Your Choice
Whether you prefer an early morning start at Gordon's, an educational tasting at Toklas, or a lavish dinner at Noble Rot, London offers diverse ways to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Most venues require advance booking given the popularity of this annual event, so early planning is recommended to secure your preferred experience.
This French tradition has found a welcoming home in London's vibrant food and drink scene, proving that good wine needs no passport to bring people together in celebration.
