Champagne: some people love it while others think it’s disgusting. Whatever you think of it, there’s no doubt that it’s something of a status symbol. It can get extremely expensive and it’s the go-to celebratory drink.
If not having a pot of tea with your afternoon tea, champagne is often the next preferred beverage to go with your cakes and sandwiches. But it’s also the ideal drink to quaff (or sip daintily) on any special occasion, big or small.
If you’re looking for somewhere to splash out on a bottle of bubbly or two (or three…), some of London’s hotels have a passion for the fizzy stuff. Try some of these hotel bars if you’re a champagne connoisseur.
The Connaught Champagne Room
The Champagne Room at the Connaught certainly isn’t the largest place to seek out a glass of champagne, but that’s what makes it so special.
With a capacity of only 25 and a no reservation policy, you’re lucky to get into this intimate space. The menu features eight prestige champagnes, as well as 40 rare vintages by the bottle. There’s also a selection of wines, chosen by the hotel’s sommelier, and a selection of spirits only available at the Connaught. If you want to guarantee the space for your party, you can hire it privately.
The Grosvenor Réunion Bar
Next time you’re at The Grosvenor, be sure to check out the Réunion Champagne and Cocktail Bar.
It was once the first-class lounge at Victoria station, and it’s kept its high-class atmosphere as part of the 5-star hotel. There are three champagnes you can enjoy by the glass, plus another 15 by the bottle, from Bollinger to Veuve Clicquot. If you prefer your champagne with a mixer, there’s also a range of champagne cocktails, including Kir Royals and Bellinis.
Rubens at the Palace Leopard Champagne Bar
If you like your champagne with a side of leopard-print, the Leopard Champagne Bar at The Rubens at the Palace is where you need to be.
Check rates at Rubens at the Palace
The intimate space is decked out in “safari chic” with lots of lively imagery. There’s an impressive champagne list and a range of champagne cocktails, or you can have anything from vodka to cognac if not in the mood for bubbles.
If you want a bite to eat alongside your champagne, the bar’s Colchester Rock Oysters, or perhaps a hot baguette, should satisfy your hunger.
Shangri-La Gong Bar
One of the newer hotels on the scene, the Shangri-La at The Shard has a bar with three separate chambers. Gong features a cocktail bar, a champagne bar and a bar by the infinity pool.
Check rates at Shangri-La at The Shard
The champagne bar is a luxurious blend of deep blues and reds, with comfy seats and fantastic views from The Shard’s 42nd floor, making it the highest bar in London. Watch out for the £30 minimum spend per head. But it won’t be hard to reach, with rare champagnes on offer by the glass. A glass of Bollinger Grande Année 2005 at £40 and you’ll be sorted for the evening.
If you love champagne, there’s something for everyone at London’s hotels. Whether you want ultimate luxury or something relaxed and intimate, you can find the champagne bar for you.
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Photo credits: The Connaught, The Grosvenor, Rubens at the Palace, Shangri-La at The Shard.