English sparkling wine has had a great few years. Once confined to the dustbin deals and house sections of many a menu, its surge in popularity has seen it preferred to French champagne in blind taste tests of late. Whilst not wanting to be jingoistic, we think this is a cause for national pride. To celebrate English wine, we’ve compiled a list of the IDEAL restaurants in which to drink English sparkling wine.
Noble Rot
A name which initially causes a curious sense of revulsion, Noble Rot actually refers to a process of grape fermentation essential to the body and characteristic of great wine. This wine bar and restaurant serves superb small plates, luxuriating in fresh British produce, perfect for the main event here – the booze. English sparkling wine is championed in the form of two Hampshire offerings, with the menu suggesting them as a ‘genuine alternative to champagne’. We’d go one step further; whisper it, but they might actually taste better.
Address: 51 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London, WC1N 3NB
Website: noblerot.co.uk
The Clove Club
This spectacular restaurant run by Isaac McHale and team is as proud of its drinks and front of house as it is its food. And quite rightly. The superb sommelier and bar team make you feel so welcome for a restaurant of this class and sophistication – no one judges you for having a couple of craft lagers if that’s your thing. It’s clear hospitality is at its core and the English sparkling wine on offer suit the chef’s frankly sensational food to a tee. A 2012 Blanc de Blanc from Kent is just £16 a glass – a snip.
Address: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT
Website: thecloveclub.com
Berner’s Tavern
A staple on the Fitzrovia dining circuit, Berner’s Tavern and English sparkling wine just seem to go hand in hand. The place is all English sophistication – wood furnishings and elegant wall-to-wall classical art – with food and drink to match. A Nyetimber Classic Cuvee at £90 a bottle may seem a lot, but trust us, this drop is well worth it in these classy surrounds.
Address: 10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP
Website: www.bernerstavern.com
Quo Vadis
Chef Jeremy Lee has succeeded in making Quo Vadis, a Soho institution, even more charming, eccentric and quintessentially British. His wit and style is all over the menu and you can’t help but give yourself over to his sense of fun and freedom. Bearing this in mind, it would be rude not to quaff some seriously fine English sparkling wine at Quo Vadis.
Address: 26-29 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 3LL
Website: www.quovadissoho.co.uk
The Tate Restaurant and Bar
The restaurant and bar of the famous London art gallery offers a surprisingly fine seasonal and British menu. The sparkling wine is sold by the glass as well as bottle, so it’s perfect for a lunch-time trip, complete with beautiful views and subsequent stroll around the wonderful, iconic building. Take in some works by British artists to complete the day out.
Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
Website: www.tate.org.uk
