Pommery bar to open in London

A bar in Blackfriars is to open boasting London’s largest collection of Pommery Champagne.

Voltaire is named after French writer and philosopher François-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume Voltaire, who spent three years in exile in London on the order of King Louis XV after insulting a French nobleman.

Housed in a grade II listed building that once served as a bank, the old stone vaults have been converted into a bar dubbed The Vaults at Voltaire.

Developed by interior designer Sue Wheldon, who has previously worked with Champneys and the Kempinski hotel group, the vaults feature private alcoves decorated in silks and animal prints, with each alcove boasting a private waiter.

Opening on 14 February, Voltaire also has an outdoor cigar terrace leading off from the Champagne bar, featuring silken awnings and outdoor chandeliers.

Voltaire’s Pommery selection ranges from half bottles to a nine-litre Salmanazar and top blend Cuvée Louise, named after Alexandrine Louise Pommery, who took over the Champagne house in 1858 after the death of her husband.

Voltaire will also sell the Pommery POP range, including the famous Union Jack bottle and a bespoke limited edition Voltaire design sold exclusively at the bar.

The entire collection will be displayed in a “Pommery Library”, which will form the focal point of the bar.

Voltaire will also offer a Pommery-based cocktail list, which will include The Volt-X – a sharing cocktail for ten.

In addition, the bar has partnered with skincare range Temple Spa to launch a quintet of cocktails made with herbs and fruits found in the Temple Spa range, including the “comforting” Repose and the “confidence-boosting” All Talk.

Guests who order one of the five cocktails will be given a complimentary Temple Spa product.