London’s Vinopolis to close

London wine experience and events venue Vinopolis, which is also home to The Whisky Show, is set to close at the end of this year.

Vinopolis will continue to host events as normal throughout the remainder of this year

The events space underneath the London Bridge arches will be replaced by a retail development once it ceases trading on 31 December 2015.

Opened in 1999 next to the landmark Borough Market, the 2.5 acre Vinopolis offers self-guided wine and spirit tasting experiences, wine-themed dinners, masterclasses, private tastings and event hire.

In 2012 the venue underwent a multi-million pound overhaul adding a “winery” to its educational zone among other new interactive educational elements.

Samantha Anderson, managing director of Vinopolis, said: “It is naturally a very sad day; Vinopolis is something of a London landmark for event bookers and conferences but this is the best possible decision for the business and its shareholders.

“We have come to the end of what could reasonably be achieved with the wine experience and feel that it is time for new life to be breathed into the timeless space.”

Vinopolis has been home to numerous events including The Whisky Show, and also houses a branch of The Whisky Exchange.

Alex Huskinson, shop manager of The Whisky Exchange, was unable to confirm whether the shop would be closing at the end of the year. “This is a really exciting time for Vinopolis and we’re looking forward to being able to share more news as it gets confirmed,” he said.

Despite not closing until next year, the 2015 edition of The Whisky Show is to move to new premises, with a venue and dates due to be announced later this week.