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Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop, London

London’s oldest family-run wine merchant since 1698, blending royal tradition with expert wine and spirits in a historic Pall Mall setting.

4.6

Berry Bros. & Rudd, established in 1698, is Britain’s oldest family-run wine and spirits merchant. Located at 63 Pall Mall, London, this historic shop blends centuries of tradition with modern expertise, offering fine wines, rare spirits, and a unique heritage experience. Renowned for supplying the British Royal Family and maintaining the iconic 'Sign of the Coffee Mill,' it remains a landmark for wine connoisseurs and history enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop

  • 63 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HZ, GB
  • +442070228973
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during weekday afternoons for a quieter experience and expert staff assistance.
  • Explore the historic grocer’s weighing scales inside, a unique tradition dating back to the 18th century.
  • Sample their award-winning No. 3 London Dry Gin, crafted with traditional methods.
  • Check for special tasting events or wine masterclasses hosted at the shop.
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Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop

Origins Rooted in London's Historic St James's District

Founded in 1698 by the Widow Bourne, Berry Bros. & Rudd began as a grocer’s shop selling coffee, tea, spices, and other exotic goods opposite St James’s Palace, the monarch’s official residence. The original premises at No. 3 St James’s Street have witnessed over three centuries of history, surviving social upheavals and evolving tastes. The shop’s iconic sign, the 'Coffee Mill,' still hangs above the entrance, symbolizing its early days as a coffee merchant and grocer. This historic location remains a Grade II* listed building, preserving the character of London’s Georgian era.

Evolution into a Premier Wine and Spirits Merchant

While initially a grocer, the business gradually shifted focus toward fine wines and spirits in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The Berry family, particularly George Berry and his sons, steered the company toward wine specialization, building a reputation for quality and expertise. The Rudd family joined in the early 20th century, bringing deep knowledge of German wines and expanding the company's portfolio. Today, Berry Bros. & Rudd offers an extensive range of over 4,000 wines and spirits, including their own labels and award-winning products such as the No. 3 London Dry Gin.

A Legacy of Royal Patronage and Traditions

Berry Bros. & Rudd has supplied wines to the British Royal Family since King George III’s reign and holds multiple Royal Warrants, including those from Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. The shop is famous for its grocer’s weighing scales, used since the 18th century to weigh customers, a fashionable practice that continues today with records of notable figures such as Lord Byron and former Prime Minister William Pitt. The company’s cellars in Basingstoke hold millions of bottles in temperature-controlled conditions, underscoring its commitment to preserving wine quality.

The Modern Experience at 63 Pall Mall

In 2017, Berry Bros. & Rudd relocated their main retail shop to a purpose-built, modern space at 63 Pall Mall, just around the corner from the original site. The new shop combines contemporary design with the historic identity of the brand, featuring bespoke signage and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. The Pall Mall location continues to serve both casual buyers and serious collectors, offering expert advice, tastings, and access to rare and collectible wines.

Global Reach and Innovation in Wine Trading

Beyond its London roots, Berry Bros. & Rudd operates internationally with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. It pioneered online wine retailing with the launch of bbr.com in 1995 and operates BBX, the world’s largest online fine wine trading platform, enabling customers to buy, sell, and trade wines stored in their bonded warehouses. This blend of tradition and innovation keeps the company at the forefront of the wine industry.

Cultural and Historical Significance in London’s Wine Scene

Berry Bros. & Rudd is not only a wine shop but a living museum of British wine history, reflecting over three centuries of social change, commerce, and culture. Its proximity to royal residences and historic clubs has made it a gathering place for aristocracy, artists, and statesmen. The shop’s unique blend of heritage, expertise, and hospitality offers visitors a rare glimpse into London’s past and present wine culture.

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