Sample the world’s most romantic fizz this Valentine’s Day with our pick of 8 glamorous Champagne bars in London
Words Julia Krupska
Dandelyan at Mondrian, Southbank
With gilded accents, candy-coloured banquettes and lashings of green and marble, The Mondrian’s Dandelyan blends the glamour of Thameside drinking with a British charm. Its award-winning cocktail list draws on human influence in the wild – be it Hunter, Gatherer or intrepid Explorer, the signature menu is shaped for taste buds (and personalities) of all kind. Why not opt for our favourite Fairchild’s Mule, a herbaceous blend of gin and Perrier-Jouët Champagne.
Oscar Wilde Bar at Cafe Royal, Soho
Nestled between Mayfair and Soho, the Oscar Wilde Champagne Bar is opulent in looks and just as rich in history. Once the go-to for some of entertainment’s most famous faces – Elizabeth Taylor and David Bowie to name a few – this glamorous space dutifully remains a bar you’ll want to see and be seen in. These days however, will see copious amounts of champagne being poured rather than any such superstar scandal.
hotelcaferoyal.com/oscarwildebar
The Vaults at Voltaire, Blackfriars
If you’re searching for an underground spot boasting the largest selection of Pommery champagne in London, Voltaire is ideal to impress your other half. Don’t be deterred by its choice of site, The Vaults at Voltaire are less like the imagined locked metal chambers and instead resemble romantic love-nests. Complete with table service, personal iPod docks and a champagne, cocktail and gourmet burger menu to keep you thoroughly entertained, this is the type of den you’ll want to shape your night in.
Mcqueen, Shoreditch
Its winning combination of high quality cuisine, sultry interior and fine drinks list featuring splashes of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV, makes Mcqueen the versatile lounge you can drink, dine and dance in all night long. Striking monochrome leather and a glitzy light centerpiece certainly sets the tone for a cosy loved-up eve.
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
Known as one of Soho’s most iconic watering holes, Bob Bob Ricard has an interactive feature enticing couples from all corners of the UK. Each booth is equipped with a “Press For Champagne” button – could anywhere be more ideal to sample French fizz? Booking requires efficiency, however, with reservations taken 3-months in advance. Perhaps next Valentine’s then…
The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz, Piccadilly
Thanks to its seemingly endless champagne collection and bite-size gourmet cuisine, The Rivoli Bar is perfect for both midday tipple or evening celebration. Worlds away from the bustle of Piccadilly outside, this funky lounge with its wooden walls and illuminated Lalique glass panels is the capital’s very own hidden gem.
7 Tales at Sosharu, Clerkenwell
Offering up a contemporary take on Tokyo’s nightlife, Sosharu’s 7 Tales cocktail bar is lit with sultry neon signage and eclectic-cartoon wallpaper. Set in the basement of Soharu itself makes the urban feel ever the more stylish and with a signature drink neatly named the Champagne Papi, it’s guaranteed to be one of the coolest romantic hangouts in London.
Blue Bar at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
Blending the iconic Lutyens Blue paneling with a recent state-of-the-art glass pavilion revamp, the Blue Bar continues to ignite the capital’s bar scene with its ambience, history and of course, colourful drinks list. Our favourite is the Toffee & Bubbles, a delicious blend of velvety caramel and vanilla toasted spice, topped with Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
