There are few pleasures more quintessentially luxurious than a glass of champagne in a beautiful room. London, a city that has been perfecting the art of the grand hotel bar for well over a century, offers this pleasure at its very highest level — in gilded Piccadilly salons dripping with gold, in Art Deco Mayfair rooms designed by the great decorators, and in intimate hidden bars known only to those in the know. For the visitor who wants to raise a glass in the finest surroundings, this is your guide.
It is written for the discerning drinker, and grounded in fact. Every bar below was checked against current sources at the time of writing, and each links to its official site so you can confirm hours, menus and reservations yourself — because bars change, and a guide that sends you to a closed room is no guide at all. Where a detail such as a minimum spend or a dress code applies, we note it, but always confirm directly. And a word before we begin: champagne is a pleasure best enjoyed responsibly, and this guide is intended for those of legal drinking age.
In this guide
- Why London for champagne
- The legendary hotel bars
- Glamorous destinations
- Hidden & intimate rooms
- Champagne while you shop
- Champagne houses & styles
- By neighbourhood
- The right bar for the occasion
- Planning the perfect evening
- Where to stay nearby
- Etiquette & practical notes
- Getting there safely
- Frequently asked questions
Why London for champagne
London's champagne culture is inseparable from its grand hotels. For more than a century, the bars of The Savoy, The Ritz, The Connaught and their peers have been the settings for the city's most glamorous evenings — the places where deals were struck, romances kindled and celebrations held. These are not merely places to buy a drink; they are institutions, several of them regularly ranked among the very best bars in the world, with histories as rich as their cellars.
What sets London apart is the combination of that heritage with genuine depth of offering. The best bars carry not only the grande marque champagnes everyone knows but rare grower champagnes from small producers, mature vintages from their own cellars, and increasingly the excellent English sparkling wines now rivalling champagne on their own terms. Add rooms designed by the great interior decorators, service honed over generations, and a concentration of these bars within a compact, walkable luxury core, and London becomes one of the world's great destinations for a glass of fizz. Whether you want ceremony and gold leaf or a hidden, intimate hideaway, the city delivers.
London's love affair with champagne runs deep. The city has been one of the wine's most important markets since the 18th and 19th centuries, when champagne became the drink of the English aristocracy and the great houses of Champagne courted London society — indeed, the drier "Brut" style now considered standard was developed in large part to suit the English palate. That long relationship is why so many of the grandes marques have historic ties to Britain, why Churchill's devotion to Pol Roger is the stuff of legend, and why the ritual of champagne is woven so tightly into the fabric of the London grand hotel. To drink champagne in one of these rooms is to take part in a tradition centuries in the making.
There is, too, the matter of why champagne belongs on any luxury itinerary. For the affluent traveller, a great champagne bar offers something a restaurant or a shop cannot: a place to pause, to mark an occasion, to watch the city's most stylish at play in surroundings of real beauty. It is the natural bridge between the day's pleasures and the evening's — the interval between shopping and dinner, or the flourish that follows a Michelin meal. And because London's finest champagne bars sit within or beside its finest hotels and restaurants, the whole experience knits together into a single, seamless evening of the kind that defines luxury travel at its best.
The legendary hotel bars
These are the icons — the bars that define the London champagne experience, most of them within the city's grand hotels. Each links to its official site; confirm hours, minimum spends and any dress code before visiting.
Glamorous destinations
Beyond the hotel icons, London offers champagne in settings of real drama and style — from riverside views to rooftop panoramas. Confirm details with each venue directly.
Hidden & intimate rooms
For those who prefer their champagne away from the crowd, London hides some of its finest rooms behind velvet curtains and discreet doors.
Champagne while you shop
London's great department stores offer champagne as part of the shopping experience — the perfect pause between boutiques.
How to choose & order champagne
A little knowledge deepens the pleasure. Here is a brief, practical guide to ordering well in London's finest bars.
The great champagne houses
The bars in this guide carry the world's finest champagnes. Knowing a little about the celebrated houses — their styles and their signatures — helps you order with confidence and match the bottle to the occasion. These are the names you will find on the best London lists.
Dom Pérignon
Moët & Chandon's prestige cuvée and one of the most famous champagnes in the world, made only in declared vintage years. Expect a refined, complex, beautifully balanced style with notes of citrus, brioche and toasted almond that deepen with age. The definitive celebration champagne; pairs beautifully with fine seafood, caviar and delicate first courses.
Krug
The connoisseur's house, renowned for its rich, powerful, multi-vintage Grande Cuvée and its rare vintage bottlings. Krug is full-bodied and profoundly complex — dried fruit, hazelnut, spice and a long, layered finish. A champagne for savouring slowly, and a match for richer dishes, from lobster to aged cheese and even white truffle.
Louis Roederer Cristal
Created originally for a Russian tsar, Cristal is precise, pure and elegant — a prestige cuvée of great finesse, with citrus, white flowers and a fine, chalky minerality. A byword for luxury, and a superb aperitif or partner to refined seafood.
Bollinger
The house famously associated with James Bond, Bollinger is bold, structured and Pinot Noir-driven, with a toasty, full-bodied character and notes of baked apple, brioche and spice. A champagne with real backbone; excellent with poultry, game and hearty seafood.
Ruinart
The oldest established champagne house, and a specialist in Chardonnay. Its Blanc de Blancs is elegant and delicate, all citrus, white fruit and a fresh, silky texture. A graceful aperitif and a fine match for oysters, sushi and lighter dishes.
Veuve Clicquot
Instantly recognisable by its yellow label, Veuve Clicquot is a full-bodied, Pinot Noir-led house with a rich, fruity, biscuity character. Reliably delicious and celebratory; versatile enough for canapés through to richer mains.
Laurent-Perrier
An elegant, fresh, Chardonnay-influenced house, particularly celebrated for its beautiful Cuvée Rosé — one of the most admired rosé champagnes, delicate and red-fruited. A lovely aperitif and a natural partner to summer dishes, charcuterie and light desserts.
Pol Roger
Winston Churchill's favourite house, Pol Roger is refined, balanced and classically English in its following — elegant, with white flowers, citrus and a gentle brioche note. Its prestige Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is a serious vintage champagne for a special occasion.
Perrier-Jouët
Famous for the flowered anemone bottle of its Belle Epoque cuvée, Perrier-Jouët is floral, delicate and Chardonnay-led, with honeysuckle, citrus and a light, graceful body. As beautiful to look at as to drink; a refined aperitif.
Salon
One of the rarest and most sought-after champagnes in the world — a single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, made only in exceptional years. Intensely mineral, precise and long-lived, it is a collector's champagne and, where a bar lists it, a genuine occasion.
Armand de Brignac
Known for its distinctive metallic gold bottle, "Ace of Spades" is a prestige champagne that has become a byword for high-end celebration, with a rich, full, fruit-forward style. As much a statement as a drink, and a fixture of luxury nightlife.
Grande marque, grower, or vintage?
The grandes marques are the famous houses above — reliably excellent and widely recognised, the safe, celebratory choice. Grower champagnes, made by the same estates that grow the grapes, offer more individual, characterful expressions and are increasingly championed by the best bars; ask the sommelier for a recommendation. A mature vintage, from a single exceptional year and often aged in the bar's own cellar, is the connoisseur's choice for a special occasion. And do not overlook English sparkling wine — now genuinely rivalling champagne, and a characterful, local alternative that several top bars proudly list.
By the glass or by the bottle?
The finest bars offer an impressive range by the glass, ideal for tasting across styles or for a single celebratory coupe. For a group or a longer evening, a bottle is often better value and allows you to explore a grower or vintage you might not order by the glass. Do not hesitate to ask the staff — at this level, guiding you to the right champagne is a pleasure they take seriously.
Understanding the styles
A few terms unlock any champagne list. Knowing them lets you order precisely what you will enjoy.
Vintage vs non-vintage
Non-vintage (NV) champagne blends several years to achieve a house's consistent signature style — the everyday expression of each house, and what most by-the-glass pours will be. Vintage champagne is made only from the grapes of a single, exceptional year, declared at the house's discretion; it is more characterful, more complex, ages beautifully, and costs considerably more. For a special occasion, a vintage is worth seeking out.
Blanc de Blancs
Literally "white from whites" — champagne made entirely from white grapes, almost always Chardonnay. Expect an elegant, fresh, mineral, often citrus-and-white-flower style, lighter and more delicate. A superb aperitif and a fine partner to oysters and delicate seafood; Ruinart and Salon are celebrated examples.
Blanc de Noirs
"White from blacks" — champagne made entirely from black grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier), though the wine itself is pale. Fuller-bodied, richer and more powerful than Blanc de Blancs, with red-fruit depth; a fine match for richer dishes and a more robust style overall.
Rosé champagne
Pink champagne, made either by blending in a little red wine or by brief skin contact. Styles range from delicate and floral to rich and red-fruited; it is both beautiful and versatile, lovely as an aperitif and a natural partner to charcuterie, salmon and lighter desserts. Laurent-Perrier's Cuvée Rosé is a benchmark.
Reading the sweetness
Most fine champagne is Brut — dry, the standard style. Extra Brut and Brut Nature are drier still, with little or no added sugar, showing the wine's pure character. Demi-Sec is noticeably sweeter, suited to dessert. For an aperitif or with a meal, Brut or Extra Brut is almost always the right choice.
How champagne should be served
Part of the pleasure of the grand bars is that they serve champagne perfectly, but knowing the essentials sharpens your own appreciation. Champagne is best served well chilled, at around 8–10°C — cold enough to be refreshing, but not so cold that the aromas are muted. The finest bars serve it in a tulip-shaped glass or a fine white-wine glass rather than the wide coupe of old or an overly narrow flute, because a little room allows the wine's complex aromas to open. A good server pours gently against the side of the glass to preserve the delicate bubbles, and fills only partway, leaving space to nose the wine. Take a moment before the first sip to appreciate the colour and the fine, persistent stream of bubbles — the mark of a well-made champagne — then taste slowly. This is a wine to savour, not to rush.
The champagne scene by neighbourhood
London's champagne bars cluster in its most elegant quarters, each with its own character.
Mayfair
The epicentre of the London champagne scene, home to the Connaught Bar, the Red Room and Champagne Room, and a short walk from Bond Street. For refined, discreet luxury, Mayfair is unmatched.
St James's & Piccadilly
The gilded Rivoli Bar at The Ritz anchors this most traditional of luxury districts, close to the historic wine merchants and gentlemen's clubs of St James's.
Covent Garden & the Strand
The Savoy's American and Beaufort bars bring glamour to the Strand, with Covent Garden's dining and the Royal Opera House close by — ideal for a pre- or post-theatre glass.
Knightsbridge & Belgravia
Harrods and the grand Knightsbridge hotels offer champagne amid the city's finest shopping, with Belgravia's serene elegance alongside.
The City & South Bank
GŌNG at the Shard brings champagne to spectacular heights on the South Bank, while the City's hotels and the Searcys bar at nearby St Pancras extend the scene east.
The right bar for the occasion
Different celebrations suit different rooms. A few recommendations to match the moment.
Anniversaries & honeymoons
For romance, the intimate hidden rooms of The Connaught — the Red Room and the Champagne Room — or the gilded Rivoli Bar at The Ritz set exactly the right tone.
Engagements & proposals
A window table at GŌNG, with the city spread below, makes a spectacular setting for a proposal; the discreet Connaught rooms suit a more private moment. Speak to the venue ahead — many will help arrange something special.
Birthdays & celebrations
The theatrical Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, with its cabaret and drama, is made for a celebratory night, as is the glamour of the Rivoli.
Corporate entertaining & networking
The Connaught Bar and the American Bar carry the prestige and polish for entertaining clients, while their central locations and impeccable service make a strong impression. Book ahead and consider a car to move guests between dinner and drinks.
Luxury date nights
Artesian at The Langham or the Red Room offer the intimacy and inventiveness for a memorable evening for two.
Planning the perfect champagne evening
A glass of champagne is rarely the whole of an evening — it is the beginning, the interval or the crowning flourish. Here is how a considered night tends to unfold.
Begin, perhaps, with an aperitif champagne at a Mayfair hotel bar as the evening settles — the Connaught Bar or the Rivoli set exactly the right tone. Move on to dinner at one of the district's celebrated restaurants (our Luxury Lifestyle guide covers the Michelin tables), where the sommelier can continue the champagne theme or pair each course. Afterwards, a nightcap at a dramatic bar — the Beaufort's cabaret, or GŌNG's views from on high — carries the evening onward. For those marking a true occasion, a hidden room such as the Red Room or the Champagne Room offers an intimate finale. The single thread through it all is ease: booking each stop ahead, and arranging a car so the evening flows and everyone gets home safely.
Where to stay nearby
Many of London's finest champagne bars sit within its grand hotels, so staying at one puts the experience on your doorstep — and a concierge on hand to secure the tables. Each links to its official site; book directly.
- The Connaught — for the Connaught Bar, Red Room and Champagne Room, in the heart of Mayfair.
- The Ritz London — for the Rivoli Bar and Piccadilly grandeur.
- The Savoy — for the American and Beaufort bars, on the Strand.
- Rosewood London — Belle Époque elegance between the West End and City.
- Shangri-La The Shard — for GŌNG and the highest views in the city.
For the full picture, see our Luxury Lifestyle in London guide.
Etiquette & practical notes
Dress codes
The grand hotel bars observe smart dress codes, and the most formal — The Ritz in particular — may require a jacket and tie for gentlemen in certain areas, with no trainers or sportswear. When in doubt, dress up; it is part of the occasion. Confirm the specific code with each venue when booking.
Booking & minimum spends
The best bars are busy, and booking ahead is strongly advised — essential at weekends and for prime tables. Some, such as the Rivoli and prime window tables at GŌNG, apply a minimum spend; ask when you reserve so there are no surprises.
Cost & payment
Champagne at this level is a luxury, with by-the-glass prices at the grand bars reflecting the surroundings and service. Cards and contactless are universal. It is worth setting expectations: an evening at these bars is a special-occasion expense, and prices vary widely — confirm with the venue if budget matters.
Age & responsibility
You must be 18 or over to buy or drink alcohol in the UK, and venues may ask for ID. Above all, enjoy champagne responsibly — the pleasure is in the quality and the company, not the quantity.
Getting there — and home — safely
An evening of champagne is precisely the occasion when you should not be driving, and when the ease of a private car makes the most sense. Moving between a Mayfair bar, a dinner reservation and a rooftop nightcap — and getting everyone home safely at the end — is exactly what a chauffeur is for.
An effortless, safe evening
For a champagne evening across London, a private chauffeur offers what matters most:
- No driving, no parking, and a safe journey home however the evening ends
- Door-to-door movement between bars, restaurants and your hotel
- Comfort and privacy in a quiet, professional vehicle
- Airport transfers with flight monitoring to begin or end your trip
- By-the-hour hire for an evening planned around several stops
RushXO is one option — a private chauffeur offering fixed-price, flight-tracked transfers and by-the-hour hire across London. However you travel, please plan a safe way home before the first cork is popped.
Explore RushXO chauffeur service →RushXO is the publisher of this guide. We aim to inform first; the choice of transport is entirely yours. Never drink and drive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best champagne bar in London?
The Connaught Bar in Mayfair is widely regarded as one of the best — and most beautiful — bars in the world, celebrated for its David Collins-designed room, its champagne and its famous martini trolley. The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz and the American and Beaufort bars at The Savoy are its great rivals.
Which London hotels have the best champagne bars?
The Connaught (Connaught Bar, Red Room, Champagne Room), The Ritz (Rivoli Bar), The Savoy (American and Beaufort bars), The Langham (Artesian) and Shangri-La The Shard (GŌNG) are among the finest.
Do London champagne bars have a dress code?
The grand hotel bars observe smart dress codes; the most formal, such as The Ritz, may require a jacket and tie for gentlemen in certain areas and prohibit trainers and sportswear. Confirm with each venue when booking.
Do I need to book a champagne bar in London?
Strongly advised, and essential at weekends or for prime tables at the most sought-after bars such as the Connaught Bar and GŌNG. Book through each bar's official site.
Is there a minimum spend at London champagne bars?
Some apply one — the Rivoli Bar at The Ritz and prime window tables at GŌNG, for example. Ask about any minimum spend when you reserve so there are no surprises.
Where can I drink champagne with a view in London?
GŌNG at Shangri-La The Shard, on level 52, describes itself as the highest hotel bar in Western Europe, with panoramic views across the city — a spectacular, celebratory choice.
Where is the most romantic champagne spot in London?
The hidden rooms of The Connaught — the Red Room behind its velvet curtain, and the intimate Champagne Room — are among the most romantic, as is the gilded Rivoli Bar at The Ritz.
Can I drink champagne while shopping in London?
Yes. The Champagne & Oyster Bar at Selfridges and bars within Harrods let you pause for a glass of fizz — the perfect break during a Bond Street or Knightsbridge shopping day.
What is grower champagne?
Champagne made by the same estate that grows the grapes, rather than a large house buying in fruit. Grower champagnes offer more individual, characterful styles and are increasingly championed by London's best bars.
Is English sparkling wine worth trying?
Very much so. English sparkling wine now genuinely rivals champagne, and several top London bars — such as the Beaufort at The Savoy — proudly list English fizz from vineyards like Chapel Down and Hush Heath.
How much does champagne cost in a London hotel bar?
Prices vary widely and reflect the surroundings and service; the grand bars are a special-occasion expense. Confirm by-the-glass and bottle prices, and any minimum spend, with the venue.
What's the difference between champagne by the glass and by the bottle?
By the glass is ideal for tasting across styles or a single celebratory coupe; a bottle is often better value for a group or longer evening and lets you explore a grower or vintage. Ask the staff to guide you.
What time do London champagne bars open?
Hours vary by venue and change; most hotel bars open from late afternoon or early evening. Check each bar's official site for current hours before visiting.
Are there champagne bars near Bond Street?
Yes — the Connaught Bar and Red Room in Mayfair, the Rivoli at The Ritz on Piccadilly, and the Selfridges Champagne & Oyster Bar are all close to the Bond Street shopping district.
What is the oldest cocktail bar in London?
The American Bar at The Savoy is one of the oldest surviving cocktail bars in the world and among the most storied, pairing its legendary cocktails with a fine champagne offering.
Do I have to be 18 to drink champagne in London?
Yes. You must be 18 or over to buy or drink alcohol in the UK, and venues may ask for ID. Please always drink responsibly.
Can I have champagne at St Pancras station?
Yes. The Searcys St Pancras Champagne Bar, one of the longest in Europe, runs alongside the Eurostar platforms — perfect before a trip to Paris or on arrival in London.
Which champagne bar is best for a special celebration?
For a grand occasion, the Rivoli Bar at The Ritz or GŌNG's views are hard to beat; for an intimate celebration, the hidden Champagne Room or Red Room at The Connaught. Book well ahead.
Should I arrange transport for a champagne evening?
Strongly recommended. Champagne and driving do not mix, and a pre-booked car lets you move between bars and get home safely. Never drink and drive; plan your journey home before you set out.
Can a chauffeur take me between several bars in one evening?
Yes. By-the-hour chauffeur services, including RushXO, are built for exactly this — moving you between bars, dinner and your hotel, and ensuring a safe journey home. Confirm hourly terms when booking.
What is the difference between vintage and non-vintage champagne?
Non-vintage blends several years for a house's consistent signature style; vintage is made only from the grapes of a single exceptional year, is more complex and age-worthy, and costs considerably more. For a special occasion, seek out a vintage.
What is Blanc de Blancs champagne?
Champagne made entirely from white grapes, almost always Chardonnay. It is elegant, fresh and mineral, often with citrus and white-flower notes — a superb aperitif and a fine match for oysters and delicate seafood.
What is Blanc de Noirs champagne?
Champagne made entirely from black grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Meunier), though pale in colour. It is fuller-bodied and richer than Blanc de Blancs, suiting more robust dishes.
Which is the best champagne house for a celebration?
Dom Pérignon is the classic statement of celebration; Krug and Cristal are connoisseurs' choices; Laurent-Perrier's Cuvée Rosé is the benchmark rosé. Describe the occasion to the sommelier for a tailored recommendation.
How should champagne be served?
Well chilled at around 8–10°C, in a tulip-shaped or fine white-wine glass rather than a wide coupe, poured gently against the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles. Savour it slowly.
What food pairs best with champagne?
Caviar, oysters and seafood are classic partners; Blanc de Blancs suits delicate dishes, while richer styles like Krug and Bollinger stand up to poultry, game and aged cheese. Many London bars offer caviar and oyster service alongside their champagne.
Are there champagne bars good for corporate entertaining?
Yes — the Connaught Bar and the American Bar at The Savoy carry the prestige and polish for entertaining clients, with impeccable service and central locations. Book ahead and consider a car to move guests between venues.
Where can I find more London luxury guidance?
See our Luxury Lifestyle in London hub and companion guides, including Chanel and Hermès shopping guides.
More in the RushXO luxury series
Luxury Lifestyle in London · Best Places to Buy Chanel · Best Places to Buy Hermès · Luxury Hotels London · Michelin Restaurants Guide · Luxury Chauffeur London · Heathrow Airport Transfers. (Guides not yet linked are part of this series and will connect as they go live.)