Champagne Charlies may sound like an expensive, upmarket joint but it’s a surprisingly multi-faceted bar that offers decent food and a large drinks menu all at reasonable prices, considering its locale.

The Venue
If you think Champagne Charlies is just another London wine bar, think again. The unassuming facade belies what’s inside. Situated below ground you have no idea of what’s going on in the outside world as you make your way through the myriad of rooms tucked away in this building, and the further you descend the more you discover. First impressions are of an olde worlde kinda place, reminiscent of a scene in Oliver Twist – but appearances can be deceiving! This is a classy joint with vintage Champagnes and ports available from around the globe.

As you enter the basement bar you’ll notice long wooden pews and tables acting as private booths, with lots of pewter mugs and tankards on view behind the bar. This looks like somewhere where all sorts of unsavouries may have plotted out their villainous crimes centuries ago! In reality, expect Champagne Charlies to be full of city gents having business meetings over a bottle of something chilled, discussing their shares portfolios.

The Atmosphere
There’s a nice, convivial atmosphere here – Champagnes Charlies is somewhere you might want to have a sociable drink or a meeting with work colleagues. Staff are conscientious and friendly, but be warned, it does get busy at peak times so if you want a table get here early.

The Food
Food is available at Champagne Charlies - hot and cold sandwiches can be ordered, with a Crayfish tails and wild rocket sandwich costing just £5.50. If you want to share, platters start from £6.95 for a Mediterranean plate, starters range from £4.95 and mains start at £9.95 for a smoked chicken Caesar salad. Desserts start from £4.95 for traditional British pudding of treacle tart. If you don’t have hours to linger over coffee, you can get an express Mini Lunch for £11.95 consisting of a small glass of house wine, a plate of ham, relish, potatoes, a salad garnish and a coffee.

The Drink
As is expected from a bar of this calibre, there is a decent wine list. Expect a choice of fifteen white wines with prices ranging from £3.95 for a glass of house white or £14.95 a bottle, to £7.85 for a glass of Chablis (£29.50 a bottle). Red wine starts at £3.95 for a glass of house red or £14.95 a bottle, ranging up to a £47.95 bottle of Chateau Cantermerle 1999 Cru Classe Medoc. There’s also a choice of four sherries and madeiras. For a rare Amontillado you can expect to pay as much as £18.75 for a glass or £175.00 for bottle. Dessert wine and port is also on this impressive list and a vintage port of Dow’s 1980 is £85.00 a bottle.

There isn’t so much in the way of lager and beer, but the clientele here is too sophisticated to be caught in here with a pint. That said, Asahi, Budvar and Whitstable Bay are on tap if you insist. Champagne ranges from a bottle of Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut NV for £58.50 to £145.00 for a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon. Spirits range from £5.40 for a double with Pimms costing £5.25 for a glass or £18.95 a pitcher. There are the usual soft drinks available but they’re a little uninspiring. Tea and coffee is also available all day.

The Last Word
With an excellent wine menu, cellar full to bursting with vintage wines and ports, good wholesome pub grub, and masses of charm, Champagne Charlies should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

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