Harvey Nichols opens new Champagne bar

Harvey Nichols is launching a new Champagne bar on the fifth floor of its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London.

The Belle Époque Champagne Bar opens on 22 October as the result of an exclusive collaboration between Champagne Perrier-Jouët and design consultancy Shaun Clarkson ID.

Taking its lead from the iconic Belle Époque anenome design, the bar has been recreated as a contemporary interpretation of the early 20th century art nouveau salons. Expect chaise longues, chandeliers and floral ceilings, with a white-led colour scheme broken up by flashes of pink and green.

The room has been designed to let in plenty of natural light, while mirrored glass tiles separate the bar from its fifth floor neighbours, the restaurant, food market and wine shop.

As you might expect, this is the place to come for a glass of Perrier-Jouët, whose champagnes will also be available in flights, with each wine accompanied by a bite-sized food pairing from Harvey Nichols’ Swedish executive chef Jonas Karlsson.

Flying the flag for Champagne’s ability to complement bold flavours, pairings include crab croustade with red amaranth and shaved avocado alongside the Perrier Jouët Blason Rosé NV, or the cep risotto with truffle oil partnered with the Perrier Jouët Grand Brut Vintage.

If shopping has left you in need of something stronger than Champagne, then it might be worth taking a look at the botanically-themed cocktail list. Perrier Jouët still gets a good look in here, with several Champagne cocktails available.

For a creative pick-me-up, try the Perrier Jouët Brut with Beefeater Gin, basil, cucumber and crushed jalapeno, garnished with cherry tomatoes.

It’s a safe bet that this new venue will prove a popular pit stop for the ladies who lunch, especially once the rigours of the Christmas shopping season get underway.

Gabriel Savage, 15.09.09