StyleNest attends the launch of the popular bar, which provides the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of fizz in a beautiful and historic setting
With summer only just around the corner (we hope), London’s historic Middle Temple venue is bringing back its successful pop-up champagne bar for a fourth season – and it’s definitely not to be missed. Visitors will be able to unwind with a chilled drink whilst taking in the sights of the stunning Elizabethan Hall, with the bar located in an elegant outdoor space next to the entrance of the building. Fountain Court is tucked away down the cobbled streets of Middle Temple and offers a sense of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
StyleNest was lucky enough to attend an exclusive ‘tasting and tour’ launch event for this year’s bar and we were immediately awestruck by the beautiful Middle Temple. Built in the mid 1500s, the building is one of four ancient Inns of Court (the professional associations for barristers in England and Wales) and has over five hundred years of history behind it. A tour around the venue – with its stunning stained glass windows and restored oil paintings – gave us a sense of its ambience and certainly got us in the mood for a glass of fizz.
Unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side on this occasion and, thanks to heavy rain, a tasting session hosted by the renowned Joseph Perrier was moved indoors. Like Middle Temple itself, Joseph Perrier is a name with history behind it and the house has been producing quality champagne at its vineyards – located above the Marne overlooking Epernay, the so-called capital of the drink – since it was founded in 1825. Whilst this StyleNest writer is no wine buff, we were impressed with the selection and favoured the Cuvée Royale NV Rosé. This will be available along with a wider choice of Joseph Perrier drinks at the champagne bar, as well as a range of wine, beer and soft drinks plus sharing platters and a selection of local English cheeses. What more could you ask for of an evening in the capital?
Middle Temple’s champagne bar proved so popular last year that its opening hours have been extended this time around, with visitors able to stop by for a chilled beverage every Thursday and Friday from 5pm until 9pm in May, June and July (weather permitting, of course).
“The champagne bar has out-performed our expectations year on year,” said Anne Atkinson, head of catering and events at Middle Temple. “It has been an incredible success. We were so busy last summer that we extended our opening hours and added another day. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful setting, it’s no wonder the secret is out!”
We’d certainly agree with that; whether you’ve had a hectic day or simply want to enjoy a glass of something chilled with friends, Middle Temple’s nestled-away champagne bar provides the perfect place to escape on an evening in London.
Middle Temple’s pop-up champagne bar is located on Middle Temple Lane, London, EC4Y 9AT, within easy reach of Temple tube station and Charing Cross and Blackfriars stations.