Some celebrations don’t need much explaining. A cork flies, bubbles rise, and the night gets brighter. This International Champagne Day, on Friday 24 October, London will once again toast the world’s most famous fizz, a drink that has crowned kings, comforted poets and turned ordinary moments into something worth remembering.
A Global Affair
For over three centuries, Champagne has been the drink of victory, romance and resilience. It has survived vineyard diseases, two world wars and countless fashion cycles, yet never lost its sparkle. It has been poured in royal halls and film sets alike, from Marilyn Monroe’s bath of 350 bottles to James Bond’s eternal toast.
The United Kingdom remains Champagne’s second largest export market, both in volume and value, and the British devotion to bubbles only grows stronger as the festive season approaches. This year’s celebration also marks a decade since the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a nod to both craftsmanship and innovation.
A Toast to Sustainability
Behind the glamour lies a quietly modern story. The Champagne region now recycles all its by products, treats ninety percent of its industrial waste, and has cut its carbon footprint per bottle by a fifth since 2003. Nearly seventy percent of vineyards now hold environmental certification, part of a long-term plan to reach net zero by 2050. It is a reminder that this is not just a timeless tradition but one adapting gracefully to the future.
An Education
For those keen to understand this gloriously golden elixir better, The Comité Champagne’s free Champagne Education platform is a masterclass. Designed for curious beginners and seasoned oenophiles alike, it pairs beautifully structured courses with interactive tools—terroir maps, tasting frameworks, service and pairing guides. Move at your own pace through the region’s history, the alchemy of blending and secondary fermentation, the artistry of dosage, and the nuances of style from Blanc de Blancs to vintage prestige cuvées. The result isn’t merely knowledge, but fluency: an ability to read a label like a map, taste with intent, and honour Champagne at the table with confidence and grace.
Where to Celebrate
If Champagne Day deserves a setting worthy of its sparkle, London has no shortage of places to raise a glass. From Mayfair’s grand hotels to Knightsbridge icons, here is where to celebrate in style.
The Dorchester, Mayfair
Few settings feel as celebratory as the Artists’ Bar at The Dorchester. A space of mirrored light and soft jazz, it serves eight Champagnes by the glass, from delicate Blanc de Blancs to deeper Blanc de Noirs. Each pour arrives in crystal stemware beneath the shimmer of Lalique chandeliers, creating a scene that feels both cinematic and intimate. The experience pairs perfectly with the start of the evening or the closing of one.
dorchestercollection.com/london/the-dorchester
45 Park Lane, Mayfair
Just across the street, Bar 45 offers a sleeker take on indulgence. Known for its contemporary interiors and striking art collection, the atmosphere is confident but never loud. Guests can choose from four Champagnes by the glass, exploring classic Bruts or elegant Rosés served with quiet precision. Settle into the leather banquettes and let the sparkle of your flute reflect against the polished marble bar.
dorchestercollection.com/london/45-park-lane
The Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych
Good Godfrey’s Bar, hidden within the Waldorf Hilton, is one of London’s best kept secrets. Dark oak panels, Art Deco details and a subtle hum of conversation create a cocoon of calm that feels miles from the city’s rush. The Champagne list is compact but beautifully curated, with both Brut and Rosé styles available by the glass. Arrive early evening, claim a corner seat, and order a second glass before you realise you needed it.
hilton.com/en/hotels/lonwahi-the-waldorf-hilton-london
Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
At the Mandarin Oriental, Champagne is not an accessory but an institution. Under the direction of Maxim Kassir, Krug is served by the glass alongside smaller houses like Bruno Paillard, Billecart Salmon and Eric Rodez. The bar’s design by Adam D. Tihany centres on a sleek, rectangular counter that glows softly beneath the lights, giving the space a sense of theatre. Each flute feels like a performance in miniature, elegant and perfectly rehearsed.
mandarinoriental.com/en/london/hyde-park
The Franklin, Knightsbridge
Hidden on a quiet side street, The Franklin Bar captures the glamour of the 1920s. Mirrored walls, velvet banquettes and Arabic marble tables give it a sense of hushed decadence. The Champagne list is thoughtful rather than showy, offering a mix of grandes marques and boutique producers by the glass or bottle. It is the sort of place that encourages conversation to linger, bubbles rising in time with the candlelight.
collezione.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/the-franklin-london
The Landmark London, Marylebone
Beneath the glass atrium of The Landmark sits one of London’s most beautiful Champagne bars. Framed by palms and golden light, it feels like an oasis of calm within the bustle of Marylebone. The list focuses on refined cuvées, complemented by caviar tastings and delicate small plates. It is romantic, elegant and quietly transportive, the kind of setting where time feels suspended with every sip.
The Stage at The Londoner, Leicester Square
The Stage is London’s ode to Champagne, and it plays its part to perfection. The bar is designed as a three act experience, beginning with Champagne breakfasts, continuing through afternoon tea, and closing with a finale of cheese, charcuterie and live music. Every bottle is poured with a sense of drama that suits its theatrical postcode. Settle in for the evening and let the lights of Leicester Square blur beyond the glass.
thelondoner.com/restaurants-bars/the-stage
HIDE, Piccadilly
At HIDE, Champagne takes centre stage beside Ollie Dabbous’ Michelin starred menu. The selection, curated through its partnership with Hedonism Wines, spans the entire Champagne landscape, from independent growers to legendary houses. Bottles are drawn directly from Hedonism’s cellar and delivered to the table in perfect condition. For serious Champagne lovers, it is an experience that feels both exclusive and effortlessly modern.
The Final Pop
As Mark Twain once said, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” On October 24, it takes centre stage. Whether it is a glass before dinner or a bottle that lasts until dawn, London is ready to celebrate the drink that never stopped sparkling.
