Vinopolis reveals expansion plans

It may seem hard to believe, but Vinopolis in London has just celebrated its 10th birthday.

As part of the celebrations, its directors revealed plans to develop the business still further with an expansion to include a bakery and a new 80-cover restaurant.

Although details remain confidential at this stage, Vinopolis is in talks with a restaurant group about occupying the new site.

The new venue is intended to complement the existing bars and restaurants already in the complex.

In-keeping with the current company ethos, at least 50% of the new restaurant’s produce will be sourced from neighbouring foodie hotspot, Borough Market.

Having obtained planning permission for the development, Vinopolis brand owners Wineworld London will create a walkway between Park Street and Brew Wharf on the venue’s South Bank site in London. Building work on this latest project is due to start at the end of the year.

Rupert Ellwood, managing director of Vinopolis, said: "We recently won a bronze medal for ‘Best Gastronomic Experience’ in the Visit London awards, and that is testament to the fact that we are now becoming a centre of gastronomic excellence.

"The new restaurant and development will help us continue to be a destination, and Vinopolis will benefit from that by more people coming to the area."

Since it first opened its doors in 1999, Vinopolis has evolved from a basic four-hour wine tour to incorporate everything from cocktail masterclasses and a Champagne bar to cookery courses and comedy nights.

The venue welcomes more than 600,000 people annually and last year increased its profits by 20%.

Gabriel Savage, 24.11.09