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CHAMPAGNE SPECIAL
Sip from a glass
slipper
When it comes to iconic moments in history, The Ritz
boasts more than its fair share, and one of the most
brilliant has to be the time that American actress Tallulah
Bankhead drank Champagne from her shoe during a
press conference at the hotel in 1951.
To commemorate the occasion, Walter Pintus, head
bartender in the opulent Rivoli Bar, has created the
Tallulah cocktail, which gives guests a chance to drink
from a specially designed glass slipper. Made with
Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, shochu, jasmine pearl tea,
Cinzano Bianco and geranium essence, the fragrant drink
is served in a perfume bottle.
Our tip for tackling it? Tilt your head back
slowly, to avoid an unsightly drenching.
The Rivoli Bar, The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly,
London, W1J 9BR; 020 7300 2340
Push the button
Safely ensconced in the smart booths of Bob
Bob Ricard, there is only one way to order
some zz to enjoy with the delicious seafood
and caviar on the menu.
Sat gleaming, the 'press for Champagne'
button calls out, inviting you to follow its plea.
Give in, and a waiter marches briskly over.
Those looking for a Grande Marque bargain
won't be disappointed: Louis Roederer Cristal
2005 is just £199 - a snip compared to Pétrus,
where it will set diners back £530.
Bob Bob Ricard, 1 Upper James Street,
London, W1F 9DF; 020 3145 1000
TAKE TEA AT CLARIDGE'S
Just as Holly Golightly uttered the immortal words about
Ti any's 'Nothing very bad could happen to you there', so
the same could be said for Claridge's. From the swishing of
the revolving hotel doors into the stunning Thierry Despontdesigned
Art Deco foyer through to the last morsel eaten,
Claridge's Champagne Afternoon Tea is a heavenly experience.
As well as preparing the perfect cup of loose leaf tea,
sourced from around the world exclusively for the hotel by the
Rare Tea Company, the expert sta will bring out a seemingly
never-ending supply of delicious sandwiches.
But of course we're here to enjoy the Champagne, and the
Laurent-Perrier Brut NV is a delightfully qua able drop to enjoy
with the exquisite pastries - especially the delectable lemon
thyme cake with crème fraiche. You'll leave walking on air.
£61, Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR; 020 7629 8860
Have a thirst
for knowledge?
Then head
to Covent Garden
bistro Champagne
+ Fromage for their
regular tasting events.
22 Wellington Street,
London, WC2E 7DB;
020 7240 1604
020 7240 1604
To taste the ultimate Champagne cocktail, look no
further than drinks maestro Tony Conigliaro's Butter
Hay Champagne at Grain Store. Amping up the natural
bready, yeasty characteristics of the Champagne by
mixing it with a beurre noisette of hay, this rich-yetrefreshing
drink is akin to trying Champagne on steroids.
Grain Store, Granary Square, 1-3 Stable Street,
London, N1C 4AB; 020 7324 4466
A MASTERCLASS IN MIXOLOGY
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