Need a break from shopping and want to relax? Maybe a glass of bubbly at Searcys Champagne Bar could help.

The Venue
The Champagne Bar is part of the Searcys chain, which already has luxury bars in St Pancras and The National Portrait Gallery. This bar is sat in the Village area of the new Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush. This glamorous area is home to all the designer brands; think Prada, Gucci, Tiffany and Rolex to name a few.

It's a curvy bar, designed by Hiscox Parlade and when closed it doesn't look like a bar at all, as the only clue that belies its location is a small plaque declaring Searcys Champagne 1847. The bar itself sits 35 people on funky modern-looking white stools. It's the only watering hole in the Westfield Centre and is open from 11am to 10pm most days.

The Atmosphere
You might imagine screaming kids and a stressed out busy atmosphere when you picture getting something to eat in a shopping centre, but Searcys Champagne Bar offers something else. Sat under chandeliers, surrounded by calming colours, the bar has a really relaxed feel. Although anyone in the shopping centre can visit the bar, it's only those who are shopping in the Village area who really do – expect to be sat next to people who haven't even heard of the credit crunch, and this is much to do with the prices on the menu.

The Food
Don't expect to get anything large to eat at The Champagne Bar; they serve light bites to complement the Champagne, which is – of course – the main emphasis. Searcys has paid a lot of attention to detail when it comes to the menu. There are dishes such as royal fillet of London cure salmon and Sevruga caviar, all well presented on small plates. There are also homemade Champagne chocolate truffles for those with a sweet tooth, which are rich and delicious. Like the drink, the food is a little pricey; this is not a place for people on a budget. Caviar and warm blinis, whilst delicious, cost £75 a serving, although you do get what you pay for.

The Drink
The drink menu at Searcys Champagne Bar is understandably expensive given its main skew. Champagne is priced from £8.50-£11 for a glass and £39-£99 for a bottle. Champagne includes Bollinger Special Cuvee, Perrier Jouet Grand Brut and Champagne cocktails. There's something to satisfy everyone's tastes and if you don't like Champagne, there's a selection of fine wine, too. Whilst tasty, if you're on an average salary you'll sit and wonder how the people around you can afford to drink bottle after bottle at the cost.

The Last Word
Enjoy drinking Champagne whilst shopping? This is definitely the bar for you. However, at £10 a glass this place is realistically only going to satisfy a select few – or those looking to splash out for a special day's shopping.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1)