Décor and Vibe
Mismatched furnishes, gilt mirrors and crates of champagne bottles create a feeling of the French countryside, a calm and intimate oasis just off Covent Garden. The best table has a view of the cheese selection on one side and the Champagne for sale on the other. It’s a small place and when busy, one might feel a little cozy with neighbours, but with pleasant, friendly staff it’s easy to pretend this little restaurant is tucked away in France’s Champagne region rather than in the middle of London’s busier neighbourhoods.
The intimate french-like ambiance at Chamagne+Fromage
Clientele and Atmosphere
Patrons come for good food and conversation pre- or post-theatre, in the middle of shopping trips, or they just pop in during a wander for a glass of exquisite champagne and a nibble of cheese. It attracts couples and small groups willing to pay for something more than the ubiquitous chain restaurant experience.
Food and Drink
Champagne + Fromage specializes in serving limited-production Champagne from independent estates. A grower Champagne is produced using grapes grown on an estate’s own vineyard (or adjacent vineyards) to adhere to terroir and artisanal quality. The selections by the glass are also available for purchase by the bottle if you find you want to take one home. A variety of juices and Hildon still or sparkling water can be had as well.
Our friendly and knowledgeable server helped us put together a fromage board with creamy Brillat-Savarin affiné, nutty Chebris, and the aged Comté Extra. It arrived quickly, presented on a wood board with plenty of bread, grapes, and quince to go around, and then recommended a glass to pair it with.
Delicious cheese platter
The tartine selection presented a challenge of choice, as they all sound interesting. The Champagne (sautéed pear with melted Langres cheese) and the Poitevine (goat’s cheese, coppa, and black cherry jam) make for slightly sweeter options. If your taste buds crave a straightforward and filling selection, the Savoyarde is perfect, with melted raclette cheese, thin sliced potatoes, onions, fennel salami, and a pile of Corsican ham. The tartines are large enough to share between two people.
The excellent Fondant au Chocolat, a perfectly balanced rich chocolate and Bleu des Basques cheese took our breath away, paired with a glass of Lacroix Champagne La Réserve, a champagne just sweet enough to compliment the dessert.
Fondant au Chocolate
The food prices are quite reasonable for the quality and amount, at £8 for boards of fromage or charcuterie, and £8 for tartines. The Champagnes ranged from £10 to £18 per glass.
Music and Events
Champagne + Fromage hosts, appropriately, cheese tastings and Champagne tastings at least once a month. Call ahead to reserve as these events sell out well in advance. A lovely if small private room on the lower ground floor is available for intimate parties. A take away menu is also available—enquire about corporate events and catering.
Summary
Champagne + Fromage is the kind of place you keep in your pocket to pull out whenever you want to impress someone with a suggestion outside of the usual Covent Garden restaurants and cafés. Though it can get pricey if those glasses of bubbles pile up, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends and is a highly recommended stop on one of those dates you just don’t want to end.
