Few things in the world are as satisfying as the pop of a champagne bottle being uncorked. This delightful bubbling wine is a dignified pleasure, typically indulged in by the upper echelons of society and reserved for august occasions. Originating in the county of Champagne in France, it was invented purely by accident. Extreme winters in the region led to the improper fermentation of wine in the cellars. So, winemaking was paused until the coming of spring, leading to the process of double fermentation – thus, champagne, an elevated wine, was born.
The Best Champagne Experience in London
However, this newfound nectar ended up being a costly commodity, as countless bottles used to randomly explode due to the carbon dioxide buildup within. Hence, the precious wine was reserved for the nobility and their special occasions, such as coronations. As such, champagne is a cut above other spirits – it exudes verve, prestige, and grandeur. Its association with wealth persists to this day, and champagne bars in London exemplify this. Read on to discover the best champagne bars in London.
1. Champagne Charlies
Residing under the arches of Charing Cross, Champagne Charlies is a premiere wine and dining restaurant. An old-school establishment, exposed brick, dull golden lights, antique chandeliers, and mahogany furniture adorn the room. Two private dining rooms with eight-person capacities are ornamented with vintage memorabilia, providing an utterly unique old-world atmosphere for intimate gatherings.
Guests can book Champagne Charlies for champagne-tasting soirees or even embark on a sojourn into Portugal’s vintages. Premium champagnes from France, Italy, and Australia grace the menu, including gems such as Davy’s Célébration Brut Champagne Blend, Glera Prosecco, and Sidewood Estate Nearly Naked Sauvignon Blanc. Moreover, culinary marvels such as steak, poached salmon, and pesto linguine pair beautifully with the sparkling vintages.
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2. Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar at Harrods
Besides being a cherished luxury department store, and a magical building that whisks one away from the city’s mechanical bustle, Harrods is an institution in London. Tucked away in the Edwardian baroque building lies Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar, the largest of its kind. As the French maison’s pride, it embodies unabashed opulence. A colossal statue of a Nebuchadnezzar champagne bottle takes centre stage, which is sculpted to look like it’s fizzing up, creating the starting point of the theatrical ceiling feature. The ceiling, which is supposed to be Nebuchadnezzar’s fizz, is a blanket of golden sequences resembling the quintessential label design of Moët & Chandon Champagne bottles. The gilted bar under the sparkling ceiling is surrounded by plush beige chairs, and the whole room is aglow in shades of bronze, copper, and gold.
A range of Moët & Chandon bottles, both vintages as well as contemporary creations, feature on the menu. The 1959 Magnums are exceptionally rare vintages available only at Harrods – they are worth about £5,000 apiece, truly an oenophile's dream come true.
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3. St. Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys
Residing in London’s St. Pancras International Station, the Champagne Bar by Searcys is a charming reminiscence of old-time rail travel. Europe’s longest champagne bar shimmers under St. Pancras’ iconic mid-nineteenth-century glass dome. The art-deco brasserie hosts a dramatic bar at the centre, aglow with underpinned border lights. Marble countertops, gilded furnishings, lush blue banquettes, and panoramic views of the romantic Victorian station seamlessly mingle to conjure a fanciful establishment.
The bar boasts gorgeous vintages dating to the nineties, in addition to an extensive list of whites, roses, reds, and ports. The 1995 Krug Vintage is one of their greatest treasures and pairs brilliantly with the caviar and oysters.
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4. Champagne Bar at 116 Pall Mall
A majestic historic building in London’s picturesque St. James, the Champagne Bar at Pall Mall is one of the city’s finest watering holes. Formerly a wine cellar belonging to the Prince of Wales, the original iron gates have been retained. The vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, and wooden flooring are evocative of a bygone wine cellar mystique. The carved wooden bar steals the spotlight and is certainly a feast for the eyes. There's also a private dining area, which can seat 50 people.
Select Searcy Cuvees and Magnums are the Champagne Bar’s specialties. Their “classic champagne cocktail” (a blend of champagne, orange bitter, brown sugar, and cognac) is also highly rated.
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5. Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar
The Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar affords guests the unparalleled opportunity to sip premium sparklings at the legendary Royal Albert Hall, London’s iconic concert venue. Service at this bar is restricted to hall ticket holders. The historic red brick building houses this exclusive champagne bar, which is decked in snazzy light pendants and plush sofas. The sleek bar is fitted with intricate lace screens and asymmetric shelves that display the bar’s most coveted vintages.
Renowned Laurent-Perrier vintages are served with flavourful Asian fare, presenting an unexpected but delightful juxtaposition.
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6. Champagne Room at The Connaught
Mayfair’s very own five-star hallmark, the Connaught, is a staggering hotel, bejewelled to boot. It is home to three bespoke bars, one of which is the premiere champagne room.
The Champagne Room is cordoned off from the main bar by means of a velvet curtain, which, when pulled, reveals a stately room decked in mirrors and Cubist artwork. A large skylight sprawls the ceiling, which is ornamented with a bronze statue shaped to look like it is diving into the room. Limestone floors, lustrous blue accents, dark leather banquettes, and gilded furnishings make for a ritzy champagne abode.
The Connaught’s champagne list includes vintages, from Billecart-Salmon to Dom, that are served in Baccarat crystal glasses.
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7. Clémence Bar
Residing in Mayfair ’s Shepherd Market, Clémence Bar is a French champagne and cocktail bar. The decor of Clémence Bar is a clever rendition of the 80s Parisian panache. Bright yellow walls, vintage Paris bistro chairs, expressive artwork, and bursts of pink floral abandon imbue the bar with immense character.
Inspired by reputed French champagne maisons, guests are in for resplendent bubbling bounties. From Dom Pérignon and Piper Heidsieck Brut to Taittinger and Laurent-Perrier, the choicest of vintages are featured on the menu. As an authentic French bar, it takes pride in its Kir Royale, a cocktail that headlines a typical French luncheon – a mellifluous blend of champagne and Crème de Casis liqueur, the heady mixture truly transports one to old-school France.
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8. Champagne Route Restaurant
Champagne Route is a modern European restaurant with an enviable roster of champagnes and sparkling wines.
A contemporary milieu, sleek wooden panels, open cabinetry, velvet sofas, and eccentric French-themed artwork adorn the establishment. Snazzy light pendants overlook marble-topped tables that are fringed with creepers.
In addition to juicy steaks, grilled seafood, and creamy quiches, highly coveted flutes of champagne are served. One of their most prized possessions is the incredibly rare Magnum Castelnau 1992, which visitors can sip on during one of the Champagne Route’s many wine-tasting events.
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9. Bar Du Champagne
Covent Garden ’s exclusive oenophilic bistro, Bar Du Champagne, features a beautifully curated wine and champagne inventory.
Their long tables (for sharing meals family-style) are lit up in soft yellow hues, with retro Venini chandeliers suspended above them. The sleek bar lying adjacent to the asymmetrical cabinetry is flanked by hand-picked 1950s French barstools. Vintage French memorabilia festoons the restaurant, truly enlivening the bistro’s Parisian vogue.
Among the medley of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French bottles, their most cherished bubbling champers include Charles Heidsieck’s Blanc des Millénaires and the Louis Roederer Brut Vintage.
An exquisite indulgence, champagne is inextricably synonymous with wealth and elegance. It possesses character, history, status, and a luscious flavour profile. It's time to sip and savour a glass at London’s best champagne bars.
