Why Is Beaujolais Nouveau Day Celebrated?
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2 weeks ago
It's time for this year's first sip of Beaujolais
For most people, the third Thursday of November is just another day. But for oenophiles, it has more significance. That’s because it’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day: the time when this year’s Beaujolais – a fruity red wine from the Burgundy region – hits the shelves. It’s marked with celebrations across France, but in recent times the wine has garnered something of a cult following in the UK too, with bars marking the day with special dinners and events. Here’s everything you need to know, and how to get involved in London if you’re a Beaujolais fan.
The History Of Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Unlike almost every other kind of French wine, Beaujolais should be drunk immediately after harvesting. Under French law, it’s released at 12.01am on the third Thursday of each November, and each year wine lovers mark the uncorking with jubilant celebrations – particularly in the wine’s hometown. The most famous event is held in the capital, Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu: a five-day festival complete with tastings, food, music and fireworks.
Despite all the festivities, Beaujolais hasn’t always had the best reputation, and is sometimes dismissed (by wine snobs) as a grape juice. However, in recent times it has had something of a resurgence, owning its party wine reputation and standing as a convivial, drinkable wine designed to be poured generously. Due to its lack of tannins, it has a smooth, light-bodied and sometimes fruity taste, made from the Gamay grape variety.
Where To Celebrate In London In 2025
The Buxton, Brick Lane
East London bistro and hotel The Buxton is joining forces with Lyonnaise restaurant Le Kitchen to mark Beaujolais Nouveau Day. The award-winning restaurant is making its London debut for one night only, with a four-course menu crafted by chef Connie Zagora featuring organic produce and of course plenty of Beaujolais.
When? 20 November 2025
How much? £60pp
Where? 42 Osborn St, London E1 6TD
BOOK: thebuxton.co.uk
The Mulwray
The Mulwray, Soho
Soho’s secret wine bar The Mulwray, tucked away above The Blue Posts, will be bringing back its annual Beaujolais Nouveau party on 20 November. Running in partnership with Unchartered Wines, the bar will be offering a flight collection of three glasses for £25pp, with this year’s line-up including names like Domaine Chapel and Domaine Saint Cyr.
How much? £25pp
When? 20 November 2025
Where? First Floor, The Blue Posts, 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ
BOOK: theblueposts.co.uk
Toklas
Toklas Bakery
Cult restaurant and bakery Toklas is getting involved with the fun by hosting a special wine flight. Guests will be treated to six wines from different producers across the region including Christophe Pacalet, Château des Vergers and Château Thivin, designed to be enjoyed alongside Lyonnaise dishes and Toklas’ signature madeleines. While you’re there, you can also buy bottles of wine to take home.
When? 20 November 2025
How much? £40pp
Where? 9 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND
BOOK: sevenrooms.com
Morchella
At Clerkenwell restaurant Morchella, the Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations will be going on all week, with a selection of wines available from 17 November – 23 November by the glass and bottle. Morchella’s Justė Karbauskaitė has teamed up with winemaker Christophe Pacalaet to bring guests the 2025 Beaujolais Nouveau from supplier Vins Clairs, which will be on offer alongside other varieties curated by the likes of Sager and Wine, and Unchartered. Pop in for a glass, or visit for lunch to try the £25 set menu.
When? 17 November – 23 November 2025
How much? Variety of wines available
Where? 86 Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4QY
BOOK: morchelladining.co.uk
The Jugged Hare
Game-centric Barbican pub The Jugged Hare is hosting a special wine pairing dinner, designed to mark the 2025 Beaujolais harvest. Chef Rafael Liuth and his team will be cooking up a five-course feast featuring dishes like saucisson brioche, salad Lyonnaise (frisée salad with smoked bacon, croutons and soft boiled egg), and candied praline tart for dessert. Everything will be paired with Beaujolais wine from Georges Duboeuf and Beaujolais’ Fleurie Cru.
When? 20 November 2025
How much? £65pp
Where? 49 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4SB
BOOK: etmcollection.co.uk
Amélie
Amélie
Chic Provence-inspired restaurant Amélie, located in the Pantechnicon in Belgravia, will transport diners to the heart of Paris to mark Beaujolais Nouveau Day. From 20 – 23 November, diners will be able to enjoy a bottle of Beaujolais 2025 from Christophe Pacalet, alongside a charcuterie board for £55, featuring a selection of French cheeses and nibbles.
When? 20 – 23 November 2025
How much? £55
Where? Ground Floor & First Floor, Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB
BOOK: amelie-restaurants.com
