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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

Tiˆ 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 staˆ 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 quaˆ 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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