Vinopolis set to close at the end of 2015

By Erin Smith

Published: 02 February, 2015

Vinopolis, the wine tour and tasting experience near London Bridge, has said it will close its doors at the end of the year with the loss of 180 jobs.

Managing director of Vinopolis, Samantha Anderson, told Event Magazine that the space currently occupied by the Vinopolis and the Cantina Vinopolis would be used for retail space following the closure. Vinopolis is owned and operated by Wineworld London Limited.

She said: "We've come to the end of what we feel we can do with Vinopolis, and the choice was made in the interest of our shareholders. The retail opportunity arose and it was a better proposition than a wine tour."

The site is set to close its doors on December 31, 2015. The restaurant and venue employs a total of 180 people who will lose their jobs at the end of the year.

Vinopolis first opened its doors in 1999. According to the Vinopolis website, the pace is over 2.5 acres and offers eight different venues for corporate and private hire, in addition to the tour tastings areas. Events throughout the year will continue as planned.

"It's hard, and it's a really sad time, but I'm exceptionally proud to have worked here," said Anderson.

Vinopolis, a wine tasting experience located near London Bridge, is set to close at the end of 2015

The financial year ending on July 31, 2014, according to Wineworld London Limited financial statements, posted a profit of £1.07 million, which was up considerably from 2013 fiscal year of only £599,393. Turnover, however, for 2014 was down 7.6% to £7.038 million, compared to the same period the year before.

Though the space is primarily focused on wine, spirits tastings are also available in the 'Spirits Lounge' room. The facility offers tours as well as interactive areas that help consumers learn about the wine making process, how geography can affect vines and a 'Discovery Zone' that directs them towards wines that they might prefer based on a taste preference questionnaire.

As part of the tasting experience, consumers can try over 100 wines that are available in Enomatic machines and using a card that is loaded up with 'tokens', which can be purchased. There is a separate area for Champagne and a tapas bar area, where people can buy small plates and wines by the glass.

Vinopolis feeds into the Whisky Exchange and into Laithwaite's retail shops.

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