Imagine 1,372 Champagne flutes lined up side by side and you have some idea of exactly how vast Europe’s longest Champagne bar at St Pancras International actually is.

The Venue
Injecting some much needed glamour into the Kings Cross area, the St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar is deliciously decadent but more importantly it’s not elitist. OK, so the launch party hosted by GQ did involve oysters on banks of ice, glass after glass of Champagne and the poshest Portaloos ever to grace the capital complete with real wooden floors and faux marble walls, all in aid of impressing the great and the good of the capital’s social scene but launch parties aside, day-to-day the Champagne bar aims to be a glamorous but affordable destination for all Londoners, not just those travelling on Eurostar.

The 96 metre space housing the St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar is breathtaking thanks to its location which allows a panoramic view of the entire terminal whilst also making the most of the historic vaulted ceiling. A central illuminated glass cube of a bar sits in the middle of the space, a glamorous mother ship refuelling the staff’s trays from three sides whilst the fourth side is backlit cracked glass.

There’s seating for 110 and plenty of standing room. However, the banquette seating is the most desirable. Twelve banquettes (seating six people each) line the length of the bar and you won’t want to leave. Flattering pools of light from black shaded Art Deco lamps encourage intimate conversations, there’s table service but more importantly there are individual fan heaters which you can adjust to ward off the cold in addition to the heated leather seats of the banquettes themselves. The only drawback to the seating is that large groups are at a disadvantage for now as the banquettes are set back to back although with a space this big you imagine that they can accommodate even vast groups if you ask nicely enough. Additional seating at small tables and bar stools is perfect for couples or pairs of friends.

The Atmosphere
Even in the chilly winter months there’s no disguising the childlike enthusiasm that the St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar inspires in its drinkers, even when they’re wrapped up against the cold. Adjacent to Eurostar Track 5 whether you’re a passenger or simply meeting friends or business contacts for a quick drink you can watch the trains pull in just metres away. The fact that no reservations are necessary makes it perfect for spur of the moment drinks, as long as you like Champagne. Failing that you can still enjoy the atmosphere over food which is served throughout the day.

The Food
Breakfast at the St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar starts at a hangover friendly 10am with options including organic porridge with Manuka honey, bacon and grilled tomato on sourdough and toasted granola with yoghurt and fruit. However, the Champagne Breakfast is the best way to start the day in a decadent fashion with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs on toast and a glass of Champagne coming in at £17.50. Other dishes created by Head Chef Jane Collins (who was formerly at The Barbican) include open sandwiches and canape plates featuring the likes of truffled mushrooms on toast and smoked haddock fishcakes which range in price from £7.50-£16.50 depending on the size. Caviar is also on the menu if you’re in the mood to celebrate and let’s face it, even if you weren’t when you arrived being in a Champagne bar tends to raise a smile from even the gloomiest of souls. Ladies who lunch should opt for the Champagne Afternoon Tea at £19.50 per person which offers a glass of Pommery Rose NV Champagne alongside a selection of scones with thick jam and clotted cream, the cake of the day, sandwiches and tea or coffee.

The Drink
A true showcase of Champagne in all its many hues, vintages and price tags, you can choose from 70 bins with prices ranging from a reasonable £39.95 to a lottery winner priced £2,700 bottle of 1949 Krug. More affordably, eleven glasses are available by the glass priced from £7.50-£25.00.

The Last Word
The arrival of a Champagne bar befitting the capital’s status as one of Europe's most glamorous cities has been a long time coming. However, now that it has arrived at St Pancras International it’s worth braving even the coldest of winter months. Just make sure that you sit at one of the heated banquette seats or wrap up warm unless you fancy ending up as chilled as your Champagne.

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