Regardless of whether you have something to celebrate, a glass of champagne is always a good idea. And you don’t have to look far in London to find a stylish bar in which to savor a good fizz. Read this glamorous range of seven options to toast the city’s great champagne scene, from the longest champagne bar in Europe to the tallest one.
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Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
Good times definitely happen at this glamorous Soho restaurant. Interiors evoke the roaring 1920s with velvet curtains, chandelier lights and gold trim, and cozy booths are outfitted with ‘champagne press’ buzzers. The menu offers champagne by the glass and bottle, and is said to serve more champagne than any other restaurant in the UK. The food menu is an eclectic mix of British and Russian comfort food (borscht, Beef Wellington, and vodka sorbets).
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St Pancras de Searcys, King’s Cross
Are you heading to Paris by train from St Pancras station? There’s no better way to start the weekend than with a chilled glass at St Pancras by Searcys, the longest champagne bar in Europe. Overlooking the Eurostar train tracks, the bar is a great people-watching spot serving an impressive selection of Champagne by the glass, including some British sparkling wines. Take a seat on one of the leather stools that feature Art Deco lamps and “push for champagne” buttons. There are blankets and warmers on hand for when the season cools down a bit.
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Oscar Wilde Lounge at the Hotel Café Royal, Piccadilly
Sip champagne in a sparkling setting that has hosted iconic Brits, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor, and the bar’s namesake, Oscar Wilde, who is said to have freaked out at the absinthe in this very room. The opulent interiors hark back to a bygone era with ceiling frescoes, red curtains, and gold mirrors, and champagne is high on the drink list. Choose from a curated selection of famous champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Champagne Henri Giraud. Or pair a glass of fizz with award-winning afternoon tea, served daily.
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Champagne + Fromage, Covent Garden
While red wine is seen as the best partner for cheese, champagne is a great alternative. It’s light so it won’t overpower a subtle cheese, but it has enough acidity to cut through potent varieties. At Champagne + Fromage in Covent Garden, you can sample a variety of fine French cheeses and champagne from independent producers spanning styles such as Classic Brut, Grand Cru, and Demi-Sec. There are weekly champagnes served by the glass and a host of cheesy dishes including baked camembert, fondue, and artisan cheese boards. Look out for regular champagne and cheese tasting events at the Covent Garden branch. There are also outposts at Brixton, Greenwich, and Elephant & Castle.
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Claridge’s Bar, Mayfair
This sophisticated Art Deco venue serves an impressive array of rare and vintage champagnes by the bottle and glass. Sink into one of the elegant armchairs at Claridge’s Bar, or take a seat on a red leather stool in the marble bar. For a more intimate adventure, check out the hotel’s Fumoir, which is a secret lair that seats 36 people. It’s a favorite haunt of glamorous stars like Kate Moss and Dita Von Teese.
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American Bar en The Savoy, The Strand
This elegant drinks room has been the hotel’s bar of choice for famous faces like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe since its opening in 1889. Drinks are served by smart waiters in jackets and ties and a pianist plays every night in a baby grand. . Champagne can be pricey, but you’ll be drinking quality bubbles from champagne houses like Louis Roederer, Ruinart, and Dom Perignon, and all drinks are served with complimentary savory appetizers.
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Gong Bar en The Shard, London Bridge
Where better to toast London’s champagne scene than at the city’s tallest bar? On the 52nd floor of The Shard, Gong stands nearly 600 feet above ground level and is officially the tallest hotel bar in Western Europe. The views are staggering, encompassing iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. There is a dedicated champagne bar where you can battle your way through a variety of classic champagnes served by the glass or bottle, or sample one of the iconic movie-inspired champagne cocktails.
