The UK’s Best Champagne Bars
Here at IL HQ we never need an excuse to pop a champagne cork: birthdays, anniversaries, or simply just because!, we’ve been known to sample some fizz to celebrate all these things. And so it is with the greatest of pleasure that we bring you the best champagne bars across the UK in which to sip some blissful bubbles, whatever the occasion.
The Neighbourhood – The Avenue North, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3BT.
The name may be homely but this stylish restaurant and bar is anything but. Chartreuse green leather banquettes and a contemporary feel give this place a cool yet chic vibe, and they sure take their champagne seriously, with a full range from a Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut to a super-special Laurent Perrier Rose Alexandra at an impressive £750 a pop. Keep the bubbles from going to your head by ordering something from their casual but expertly executed menu. If you’re on a Northern tour you can visit their sister joint in Liverpool too.
St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar | Kings Cross, London
As champagne is the ultimate in romantic tipples, why not go for the full Brief Encounter experience (except, you know, with your own happy ending) and start or end a Eurostar journey to Paris at this fabulous and timelessly elegant, 1920s style bar. Actually we advise you just head over there anyway, Eurostar or not, as it is Europe’s longest champagne bar at a staggering 95 metres long, and has booths with ‘Push for Champagne’ buttons. We’re sold. As perfect for groups of friends as it is romantic for couples, the champers is also remarkably reasonably priced, at £35 a bottle for the house choice
The Dome | George Street, Edinburgh
Something of an institution, this inimitable venue with its elaborate columns, sky high ceilings and Swarovski crystal chandeliers is THE place to go for a touch of glamour (and mandatory at Christmas when the entire building is swathed in fairy lights). Choose the circular bar to sip a champagne cocktail and observe your fellow clientele or for a more intimate drink, shimmy over to the Club Room or Front Bar where knowledgeable bartenders will pour you a flute or coupe of some serious fizz.
The Oscar Wilde Bar | Café Royal, London
Sumptuous, glittering and glamorous, the Oscar Wilde Bar one of the best champagne bars in London, dates back to 1865 and has recently been restored to its original Rococo splendour. Formerly known as the Grill Room of the iconic Café Royal, its Regent Street address, nudging into Mayfair territory, gives it extra cachet (not that it needs it). Frequented often by its namesake, the OWB has also welcomed David Bowie, Mick Jagger, the Beatles and Elizabeth Taylor over the years to enjoy the gilded surroundings and cabaret evenings brimming with vintage champagne.
The Cocktail Bar | Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Maugan Porth, Cornwall
Welcome to Poldark country and the fabulous Bedruthan Hotel, a fusion of Scandi-Cornish design and home to a very good champagne bar. Overlooking the beach, this is a place of foraging and clean, contemporary design, but also of some utterly divine cocktails. Some are bespoke creations dreamt up by the resident mixologist or you can order your favourite classic. Either way, there are some scrumptious concoctions on the menu and our favourite champagne cocktail has to be the fabulously named Moonwalk: Cointreau, fresh pink grapefruit, rose water and plenty of fizz. Pretty as a picture, just like this seashore haven of a bar.
The Oyster Bar at Rogano | Glasgow
This champagne bar is another legend, this time in Glasgow. Based on the Art Deco design of the Queen Mary (which was built around the same time in the Clyde shipyards), we recommend you go all out with a proper champagne extravaganza and order a dozen oysters to go with a chilled bottle of bubbly served to perfection in a deep leather booth or at the long marble bar. Rogano has one of the largest selections of champagnes in the city, including a premium Joseph Perrier collection and Rose and half bottle (really?) options. Take some friends and order a magnum. In Rogano, you just have to do things in style.
Abigail Stubbs
Features Editor
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