WHERE TO DRINK CHAMPAGNE IN THE CITY
VERTIGO
Tower 42, EC2N
Showy and high glam, this is a devoted champagne bar with the best views in town – perched right at the top of Tower 42 (pictured right). There is a fantastic choice of bubbly, including Veuve Delaroy Brut (£46), Georges Vesselle Bouzy Grand Cru (£66), two Bollies, a Krug (£385) and several Laurent Perriers.
THE MERCER
Threadneedle St, EC2R
Low-key luxurious brasserie next to Bank where local high rollers fill tables at lunch and move in en masse for post-work (always classy) tipples. High ceilings, a glossy, spacious bar and long hanging lights give an air of sophistication. The wine list here is a major selling point and there’s a whole page of champagne, with an emphasis on Laurent Perrier.
BOISDALE
Bishopsgate, EC2M
Flamboyantly Scottish, this is a blokeish den where jolly City types settle in for meaty lunches with a heavy liquid element – naturally it’s a go-to for celebratory meals. Whether you’re at the Champagne and Oyster Bar or seated down below, there is lots (and lots) of choice on the two page champagne list. As it should be.
CORNEY AND BARROW
Broadgate, EC2M
One of the City’s trustiest bar chains, you can count on C&B for bank-tastic merrymaking. It goes without saying that the bubbles list features prominently, and is divided into categories such as Prestige and Vintage and Bigger and Better. The latter sums it up, really. Nobody’s hiding their cash here.
L’ANIMA
Snowden St, EC2A
An ultra slick Italian bar and restaurant that could be straight out of Milan’s trendiest area (pictured left). Think white leather, window walls and a pearly bar. Though there is a superb array of Prosecco here, if you’re feeling celebratory, why not push the boat out and choose something off the modest but well-formed champagne list.
BOUNDARY
Boundary St, E2
Near Liverpool Street, this is perhaps the most successful pairing of Shoreditch cool with Square Mile sleek. The restaurant is an excellent, deeply stylish affair in the basement, but the bar is an ideal place to feel young and trendy in a well-heeled sort of way. See and be seen as you knock back your celebratory bubbles.