The first champagne tasting bar and shop outside of London that exclusively offers ‘growers’ champagne has opened today in Harrogate – 21 October 2015.
The Champagne Concept will introduce smaller wine growers to British champagne lovers in a typically French experience by combining champagne tasting, a champagne bar and retail outlet on one site.
Situated on Oxford Street in Harrogate, The Champagne Concept will feature up to 100 different champagnes, which customers can try in a flight of three for £12.
Guests can sample different styles, order a bottle to enjoy with a cheese platter provided by The Cheeseboard of Harrogate, or purchase their favourite tipple to take away. Every bottle will come with information about the grower and the provenance of the champagne.
Founder of the Champagne Concept Laurence Page-Connolly came upon the idea during a holiday in France with his wife Gemma.
Laurence said:
We were driving around the Épernay region, stopping in at small champagne houses where the grapes are grown, picked and turned into champagne by the owners.
We loved that we could see where the grapes had come from and could try them on site, before buying some to take away with us.
I wanted to bring that experience over to the UK, particularly as it’s difficult to get many of these smaller labels here.
The Champagne Concept will work with six to seven champagne house owners, all of whom Laurence & Gemma have met. The champagnes are made in small batches from the grapes grown on their vineyard, unlike the blended big name champagnes Brits are more familiar with.
Laurence expects the Champagne Concept to appeal to anyone who loves champagne.
Laurence said:
Whether it’s a group of friends having a pre-theatre or dinner drink, visitors to Harrogate looking for something to do on an afternoon, or champagne connoisseurs who want something a little different to share with dinner party guests, we can provide it. We think it is a really exciting addition to Harrogate’s food and drink scene, providing affordable luxury with a connection to the artisans who make the products.
Champagnes will retail from £28 a bottle upwards.
For more information go to www.thechampagneconcept.co.uk
- The Champagne Concept is situated at 22a Oxford Street, Harrogate.
- It will open for business on 21 October 2015.
- It has been set up by Laurence Connolly, who was previously employed at Proctor & Gamble.
- The venture is privately funded.
