The Best Al Fresco Spots for Enjoying Champagne in London this Summer

As Charles Dickens once said: “Champagne is one of the elegant extras in life”.

Champagne exports now account for almost 60% of total sales (171.7 million bottles), compared to 45% ten years ago. The UK is still the second largest Champagne export market in the world; with 25,534,935 bottles shipped to the UK in 2023.

Now the sun is (finally) shining in London, what better way to embrace the warmer weather than with a glass of Champagne in one of the city’s best al fresco spots?

As the pinnacle of sparkling wine, Champagne is often associated with celebration. However, Champagne is simply timeless, and as such there is no doubt that it makes for the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon spent enjoying all that London has to offer this summer.

 Bubbledogs@45

This summer, Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane has welcomed the return of famed Champagne and hotdog concept Bubbledogs for an al fresco pop-up at the hotel’s exclusive terrace – CUT Out.

The bespoke menu is comprised of gourmet hotdogs, which are topped with ingredients such as lobster, Beluga Caviar, A5 Wagyu striploin and summer truffle, and Champagnes of various styles, including Brut, Blanc de Blancs and Rosé.

The extensive Champagne list includes a selection of wines by the glass, as well as a variety of options to order by the bottle, with an array of vintages – dating as far back as 2002 – on offer, too.

Louie London, Covent Garden

Located in Covent Garden, Louie London combines the cultures of Paris and New Orleans to offer guests a unique culinary and live music experience.

For an al fresco experience this summer, guests can enjoy the venue’s terrace, where a wide selection of Champagnes, including Blanc de Blancs, Rosé, Blanc de Noirs and Vintage Champagnes, are on offer, both by the glass and by the bottle.

The terrace can be found adjacent to Louie’s iconic Alligator Bar, which provides the backdrop for their live music evenings, including Tuesday Jazz Nights, Soulful Wednesdays, and All About Rhythm Thursdays.

Gordon’s Wine Bar, Embankment

Having welcomed wine lovers for over 130 years, Gordon’s Wine Bar is London’s oldest wine bar. With outdoor seating available year-round, the venue offers a unique al fresco experience that creates an ideal environment for enjoying a glass of Champagne.

The venue’s wine list includes a section dedicated to Champagne, with Blanc de Blancs, Brut and Rosé styles on offer.

Julie’s Restaurant, Notting Hill

With an extensive wine list that includes a range of Grand Marques, Grower, and Rosé Champagne, Julie’s Restaurant has long since been considered a West London icon. With a fresh makeover, Julie’s is ideal for moments when the sun is shining; the restaurant’s outdoor terrace provides an ideal setting for enjoying the pinnacle of sparkling wine al fresco style this summer.

The Petersham, Covent Garden

With a focus on local, seasonal produce, The Petersham offers guests Italian cuisine in an ideal London location. The restaurant’s extensive wine list includes an array of Champagnes of different styles, with Vintage and Non-Vintage Champagnes to choose from, all of which can be enjoyed in the restaurant’s outdoor dining space.

 

*The Champagne Bureau UK is the trade association in the UK, representing houses and growers in Champagne.