The top 5 Champagne bars in London

My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne, is a quote attributed to John Maynard Keynes, and one that I can totally get on board with. Its luscious stuff; sharp, sweet, and synonymous with decadence, Christmas, birthdays and weddings. Happy times. Its also pretty good if youre feeling sad, bored or irritated, and theres plenty of time for that in London. So, I compiled a list of the best Champagne bars to toast successes, quell fears or drown regrets.

Champagne Cult

A laid-back, non-pretentious Champagne bar in the heart of the city with a smoking terrace and excellent Champagnes on offer at reasonable prices? Yes indeed. Champagne Cult is just a small walk from Liverpool Street and if asked to describe the atmosphere, Id have to say louche. The owner decorated the bar herself and also makes the bread on the menu; her background includes interior design and, incongruously, the military. When it comes to prices, P Louis Martin is just 10.50 a glass, 45 a bottle. Champagne cocktails are around 11.

This is a great place for pretty much any social excursion; expect post-work drinks crowds and the odd first date. Its also ideal for a lunch meeting; just make sure you get any business out of the way before the bubbles go to your head.

Hix

Shopping getting too much for you? Hix, which is snugly nestled in the heart of Selfridges, is the perfect place to relax, unwind and glance nervously at all the bags you seem to have accumulated throughout the day.

The menu has some slightly racy additions; try the Porn Star Martini (a passion fruit martini with a cheeky shot of Champagne on the side), and if youre hungry, we recommend the Champagne afternoon tea; a selection of sandwiches, cakes and pastries which will set you back a cool 34.75. Perversely, Hix also do a great selection of detox juices, so if youve damaged yourself with excess Champagne, this is where you can repair yourself. Accompany your drink with nuts and olives, a plate of oysters, or a simple spot of good old-fashioned people watching.

Searcys

Yes, its inside a station; but dont be fooled into thinking that Searcys is the usual grubby pre-journey haunt; its actually the longest Champagne bar in Europe. Located on the top floor of St Pancras, Searcys Champagne Bar has recently undergone a transformation, and now features even more decadent extras for Champagne-seeking guests.

You can now enjoy heated leather seating, pull curtain blankets around the booth tables to keep warm during chillier months, and even utilise the call button system for when your glasses run a little dry. Top-ups at your fingertips.

The extensive Champagne list accommodates the largest selection of Grand Marque houses in the UK, with 17 styles available by the glass. Hic.

Champagne + Fromage

Guess what this place specialises in? This small but perfectly formed deli is cute and quirky in equal measure, and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon chatting with friends and family.

Choose from 16 varieties of vintage Champagne, and dont panic when it comes to the cheese selection – the staff will help you pick out the perfect accompaniment. Plus, if you love the fizz youve been drinking, theyll be happy to pick out a bottle for you to take home or buy as a girft for a fellow Champagne lover.

The Fromagerie offers more than 50 French soft and hard cheeses, and a wide range of cooked meat, pts, ham and sausages. Dont feel intimidated by all the tasty fizz and food on display; you can attend monthly Champagne and cheese master classes cut through the industry jargon and find out how to marry cheese and Champagne successfully.

Kettner’s

Kettners is always synonymous with West End glamour – and from the minute you step inside its unassuming doors, youll soon see why. Its ornate French dcor and luxurious atmosphere impresses without appearing ostentatious and the clientele through the years have included Bing Crosby and Oscar Wilde as previous diners over the years. These visitors have left their mark; the cocktail menu is inspired by the characters of Kettners scandalous past, including the signature High and Wilde bellini, created in honour of Wilde.

Kettners is definitely the place to head to if nothing but full-on hedonism will do. It has one of the most extensive Champagne lists in London, with over one hundred varieties, many from small family growers.