New venue for Harrogate specialises in Champagne and cheese

But whatever the occasion the corks are always popping at Champagne + Fromage, which has recently opened in Harrogate.

More than a champagne and wine bar, but not a full blown restaurant, this bistro-style venue is perfect for a host of occasions – a catch up with an old friend, a first date, an anniversary or birthday treat, a working lunch, a break from shopping or just because you fancy a little slice of luxury and indulgence.

If delicious deli delights, shared with friends and loved ones, over a glass or two of fabulous fizz is your thing then you are going to fall in love with Champagne + Fromage

Bringing London chic to Yorkshire

The Royal Parade franchise of Champagne + Fromage is the only one in Yorkshire and the most northerly in the UK. The first ever was in Covent Garden, and is still going strong – a favourite for pre and post-theatre-goers, shoppers and tourists alike. There are now six, across England, which gives the group even more buying power to source the best products, from smaller, artisan producers.

Champagnes come from the region’s smaller vineyards – giving guests at Champagne + Fromage options for bubbles they may have never tasted or heard of before. The delicatessen ingredients – including cheeses, sausage, cured and smoked meats– are delivered via Une Normande a Londres, a supplier which selects the best authentic French ingredients from Aquitaine to Brittany, Alsace to the Loire.

Pick and choose

Whilst the food here most definitely has a French flavour the style of dining is much more like Spanish tapas – think Champagne or wine with small plates of food – perhaps just one sharing board or a number of smaller dishes and tasters over the course of your visit.

The food here is all about sharing – whether that’s the three or five cheese or meat boards, or the Gastroboards, which includes a mix of cheeses and meats with tapenade.

The kitchen also serves up fabulous fondue – which is already proving a hit in Harrogate – and various raclette options and baked camemberts, alongside sumptuous salads such as blue cheese and pear, or a warm goats cheese with figs and walnuts. There are nibbles such as olives, hummus or padron peppers.

And with just 38 covers and tables that accommodate couples, fours or a group of six, this is about intimate dining, in a convivial atmosphere with relaxing background music which won’t intrude on your conversation and enjoyment.

Cheers to Champagne

Champagne has long been the most revered of sparkling wines in France and beyond, but it was us Brits that made it the drink for celebration and occasion.

But no excuse is needed to pop a cork here. Champagne + Fromage is the place to go beyond bubbles and brie – it offers a bit of finesse with its fizz. Here the culture of simply enjoying Champagne as it should be drunk, as a pleasant sparkling wine with a bite to eat, is done to perfection.

There’s the option to taste a wide range of different Champagnes, with expert guidance on what you might like – lots of bubbles or not so many, a very dry taste, or more fruity for example. And the chosen Champagnes on offer will change fairly regularly, so there should always be something new to return for.

Forget flutes, the carefully curated Cuvees come in glasses specially designed not only to help the Champagne keep its sparkle for longer, but to allow the full aromas of the wine to reach your nose and palate.

There is a wide choice of Champagne by the glass, as well as bottles, and a smaller, but equally carefully selected, list of red, white and rose wines.

Save the date

On November 5 producer Delphine Colin will host a special tasting event at the venue. She will reveal the story behind Champagne Colin, with tastings from a collection of their finest cuvees, and will be available for questions and answers afterwards too

On the night guests can enjoy 10% off a glass of Colin Champagne, 15% off takeaway prices on Colin bottles, 20% off a bottle of selected Champagne, and baked Camembert for only £10.

Pay us a visit

Champagne + Fromage is open every day except Monday from noon to 10pm (last food orders at 9pm). You can book online or phone to make your request, on 01423 226561 And you can also buy Champagne, wines, cheeses and meats directly for enjoying at home. Just check the website here for more details. And don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to find out about special events and tastings, or sign up for their newsletter.