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In an email, James Davy wrote: When Covent Garden was redeveloped in 1980 from a 300-year-old fruit and vegetable market into the destination we know today, the Davy family opened a wine bar in the lower courtyard under the name The Crusting Pipe. At that time, our heartland for wine bars was very much in the City of London, where our experience and customer base were best established.

Any reservations about moving into the West End were quickly dispelled. From the first day of trading, The Crusting Pipe proved to be a success and, over the years that followed, became one of the most important and well-known venues in the Davy’s portfolio, a position it has held for more than forty years.

As with all long-established businesses, how and where we trade must continue to evolve. In light of changing patterns of use, and after careful consideration, The Crusting Pipe will close on 21 December 2025, bringing to an end a remarkable chapter in the history of Davy’s Wine Bars. For those who wish to visit once more and mark the conclusion of this chapter, we would be delighted to welcome you at The Crusting Pipe before its final day of trading. Tables can be booked in the usual way, subject to availability. Book here.

This decision has been taken despite the venue continuing to enjoy a loyal and appreciative following. It gives me great satisfaction to read the many positive reviews we receive, consistently praising the wine, food, service and atmosphere, and confirming The Crusting Pipe as a destination of choice for many visitors to London.

Thank you to everyone who has passed through the doors of The Crusting Pipe over the past forty-five years. We look forward to welcoming you at our other venues across London.


James Davy
Fifth-Generation Chairman

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑17:21 Wed 17 Dec 2025 If anyone has any photos of those peculiar tunnels we used to use, please do post them!

flash_uk wrote: ↑20:38 Wed 17 Dec 2025

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑17:21 Wed 17 Dec 2025If anyone has any photos of those peculiar tunnels we used to use, please do post them!

This thread has a few.

MigSU wrote: ↑20:40 Wed 17 Dec 2025On a side note: I never understand this "It was still a big success but we decided to close" reasoning. It's a shame that a venue with almost half a century of service just closes down like that.

jdaw1 wrote: ↑20:49 Wed 17 Dec 2025

MigSU wrote: ↑20:40 Wed 17 Dec 2025On a side note: I never understand this "It was still a big success but we decided to close" reasoning. It's a shame that a venue with almost half a century of service just closes down like that.

I suspect doesn’t want to be too rude about the landlord — people meet again — but the rent increase is the reason.

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑21:25 Wed 17 Dec 2025

jdaw1 wrote: ↑20:49 Wed 17 Dec 2025

MigSU wrote: ↑20:40 Wed 17 Dec 2025On a side note: I never understand this "It was still a big success but we decided to close" reasoning. It's a shame that a venue with almost half a century of service just closes down like that.

I suspect doesn’t want to be too rude about the landlord — people meet again — but the rent increase is the reason.

That was exactly my interpretation. I presumed the lease ends at the end of the year and the landlord felt that he could get a better return from renting to a more tourist oriented outlet, to the extent the economics weren’t there for Davy’s.

Alex M wrote: ↑22:32 Wed 17 Dec 2025I brought a Dow 1983.

Alex M wrote: ↑14:59 Thu 15 Dec 2011I intend to bring a recently acquired Dows 1983.