Vinopolis, London, SE1

Vinopolis was developed by a wine merchant called Duncan Vaughan-Arbuckle who, after speaking with his clients, realised that there was considerable interest in the making and enjoyment of wines.

He chose a site beneath the arches of a Victorian railway viaduct which had been built in 1866 by the South-Eastern Railway Company, who wanted to carry an extension line from London Bridge Station, over the Thames, to the north bank.

During the ‘Matrix Reloaded’ party, for example, martial arts fighters performed on the balcony all night. Vinopolis' biggest single space is The Great Halls, where Jonathan Ross invited a few hundred friends to celebrate his 40th  in style.  Smaller areas are also available, and some have separate entrances for increased exclusivity.