Champagne Cult is spread out over two floors, with simple and understated décor. The ground floor is decked out with softly furnished, lounge-style seating, a burnt orange and mahogany colour scheme, and a token smattering of Renaissance paintings and antique ornaments to add a sense of old-fashioned class to proceedings.
Meanwhile, the shadowy basement floor has two separate seating areas – one that can be rented out for parties and business meetings, and a smaller space (advisable for those seeking more privacy) with tables seating two to three each. The garden-cum-‘cigar terrace’ contains just a couple of tables and benches, and enclosed by high brick walls. The aforementioned cigars are available at the bar, where you can choose from a range of hefty, individually sold Cuban numbers, as well as various packs of thinner cigars or ‘cigarillos’.
Light tapas-style plates are served throughout the day, including an array of fresh-tasting Tuscan antipasti (three dishes available for £9) and bread (£3). Unsurprisingly, there is a wide selection of the venue’s namesake beverage on offer, starting at £10.50 for a glass of crisp, subtly flavoured Claude Renoux Curvee De Reserve, and ranging up to £230 for a bottle of the distinguished Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill. The bar also serves a number of Champagne-based cocktails such as the smooth and refreshing Air Mail (£12)- Flor de Cana, shaken with honey syrup and fresh lime juice, topped with Champagne – and a traditional Kir Royal (£12) that possesses just the right balance between sweet and sour from its cassis liqueur.
For those who are Champagned-out, there is a sizeable non-sparkling wine list on offer as well, starting at £6.50 a glass for St Hilarie Cotes de Rhone Blanc or Rouge, which complements the bar’s tapas menu nicely. Beer drinkers are also looked after with a couple of more niche IPAs (Curious Brew and Little Creatures being the current options) served alongside Peroni and Asahi lager. It is certainly not a cheap menu, but for a Champagne bar in the City, this should be of no great surprise.
All in all, Champagne Cult is not quite as glamorous as one might expect, but it actually benefits from its lack of pretension and relaxed surroundings. Leave your high heels and tuxedos at the door, and
Enjoy some high-quality food and drink in a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment, after work, during work or at the weekend.
| 21 Widegate Street, London, E1 7HP | Transport: Liverpool Street tube |
| Telephone: +44 020 7247 7977 | Open: Mon-Fri 11:00-23:00, Sat-Sun available for private hire |
| Website |
