Vinopolis, the wine tasting venue near London Bridge is to close at the end of this year, after 16 years trading, with the loss of 180 jobs. The 2.5 acre space will be converted into retail units.

According to an opinion piece written by wine critic and broadcaster Tim Atkin MW and published in Harpers Wine and Spirit Vinopolis “morphed into a venue that appeared to make most of its money from corporate hospitality and private events and was less and less interested in wine”.

Atkin also pointed out that the “emphasis seemed to be on how many glasses a ticket would enable you to drink”, that the price of £27 for seven small glasses and a tour was expensive when anyone could visit their local Majestic and sample wine for free and that the targeting of stag and hen parties possibly damaged the image.