Celebrate Global Champagne Day with a sparkle in the UK

October 19th is Global Champagne Day and there are lots of places to celebrate in and around the capital. But for wine connoisseurs in the know, it’s also a chance to enjoy one of the UK’s lesser-known but much-loved tipples – English sparkling wine. Read on to discover our favourite locations to savour a bit of the English spirit.

Searcys Champagne Bar, St Pancras

Located within the majestic interior of St Pancras Station, which celebrates its 150^th birthday this year, Searcys is Europe’s longest champagne bar. In addition to an extensive list of fine French champagnes, the bar proudly stocks a number of acclaimed English sparkling wines including Greyfriars Cuvée Brut NV from Surrey and Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Brut NV from West Sussex. Savour a glass of bubbles as you admire Tracy Emin’s ‘I want my time with you’ installation or relax on the terrace and watch the world go by. Alternatively, refine your palette at Searcys Champagne School. One of the first schools in the UK dedicated to bubbly, it offers masterclasses in both champagne and English sparkling wines at a range of ticketed events. https://stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk

Skylon Restaurant, Bar and Grill, Southbank

One of London’s best-known bars, Skylon is also a proud retailer of one of its lesser-known delights and sells a range of English sparkling wines such as Nyetimber Rosé from West Sussex and Blanc de Blancs from the Gusbourne Estate in Kent. Located at the top of the Royal Festival Hall, a short distance from Waterloo Station, the bar also offers one of the best views of the London skyline, the perfect accompaniment to your evening tipple. https://www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk/at/grill-south-bank/

George’s Bar, King’s Cross

From its buttery leather sofas to its decorative Victorian ceilings, George’s Bar is a lamp-lit oasis of luxury located within the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Owned by British chef and Masterchef presenter Marcus Wearing, the bar is steeped in British history. The ideal location in which to enjoy afternoon tea, George’s offers gourmet cocktails and an extensive champagne list. It also boasts several notable English sparkling wines including Gusbourne Rosé, a delightfully crisp sparkling wine with notes of strawberry that hails from the heart of Kent. https://www.georgesbar.co.uk/

Iris Bar at The Gherkin, City of London

The only bar in London with 360° views over the city, Iris is located on the 40th floor of The Gherkin and is one of the newest drinking establishments to grace the capital’s ever-changing skyline. The perfect place to celebrate Global Champagne Day, the bar offers an extensive London-themed cocktail menu, an excellent selection of champagne and some of the UK’s finest sparkling wines, including Nyetimber Rosé MV from West Sussex. https://searcysatthegherkin.co.uk/iris-bar/

The 10 Cases, Covent Garden

Nestled in a quiet side street in the bustling heart of Covent Garden, The 10 Cases is an unassuming bistro and wine bar that is proving one of the most popular additions to the area. Originally starting out as a bistro serving 10 white, 10 red and a selection of rose, sparkling and sweet wines, in 2013 the owners opened the adjacent Cave a Vin wine bar, shop and cellar. Offering an ever-changing range of vintages from around the world, English sparkling wines such as Gusbourne Brut Reserve Chardonnay/Pinot Noir from Kent regularly make an appearance. https://www.10cases.co.uk/

Want to discover more about English sparkling wines? Why not venture out of the city and explore the locations forging the way for the UK wine scene, with our round-up of England’s most amazing vineyards.