Quick info
About Champagne Charlies
Champagne Charlies is a cellar wine bar at 17 Villiers St in London, set in the arches beneath Charing Cross station and reached down steps. Davy's Old Wallop real ale is served in a pewter tankard or a half-gallon copper jug, so beer drinkers get their own ritual alongside the wine. The drinks list centres on wine and champagne, including a house champagne, and also takes in craft beers and spirits. Port is decanted at the bar. Wood panelling, exposed brick and candlelit tables fill the alcoves. The bar and dining room menus cover classic British food made with seasonal ingredients, including a home made scotch egg and pan fried haddock. A cheese selection is offered alongside the wine, and a small restaurant area sits within the bar. A private office or meeting space can also be booked.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention davy's old wallop beer, house champagne, cheese selection with wine and pan fried haddock.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention davy's old wallop beer, house champagne, cheese selection with wine and pan fried haddock.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the drinks, led by Davy's Old Wallop, a real ale served in a half-gallon jug or pewter tankard and described as rich and smooth. Close behind are the wines and champagne, with one praising the house champagne and another a good variety of wines, and the cheese selection with wine was called faultless. Food gets strong words from some, who name a pan fried haddock, a home made scotch egg, and chicken and lamb cooked perfectly. One company dinner found it nice and well prepared but nothing exciting. The cellar setting under the arches comes across as relaxed, labyrinthine and not too loud, and the staff are called friendly and welcoming. Drinks prices draw a mild note, with one calling them not cheap and another ok. A couple of visits fell on quiet evenings, so one reviewer would return for a livelier atmosphere. Another says the bar gets busy at weekends and that booking a table is recommended. One reviewer closes on a complimentary birthday glass of bubbles shared with a friend.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the drinks, led by Davy's Old Wallop, a real ale served in a half-gallon jug or pewter tankard and described as rich and smooth. Close behind are the wines and champagne, with one praising the house champagne and another a good variety of wines, and the cheese selection with wine was called faultless. Food gets strong words from some, who name a pan fried haddock, a home made scotch egg, and chicken and lamb cooked perfectly. One company dinner found it nice and well prepared but nothing exciting. The cellar setting under the arches comes across as relaxed, labyrinthine and not too loud, and the staff are called friendly and welcoming. Drinks prices draw a mild note, with one calling them not cheap and another ok. A couple of visits fell on quiet evenings, so one reviewer would return for a livelier atmosphere. Another says the bar gets busy at weekends and that booking a table is recommended. One reviewer closes on a complimentary birthday glass of bubbles shared with a friend.
Featured reviews
- Joshua Galaun
“Fabulous bar with a great drinks menu but the real star of the show is the food. This is so much better than pub food and better than restaurants at the same price. 8 of us had lots of different dishes and all of them were amazing – the delicious home made scotch egg, perfectly cooked chicken and lamb, tasty desserts. We have been many times and will be back.”
- Zameer Hassam
“Great find. Specialises in wines and champagne but also great beers. Also served in a pewter tankard. It looks pretty hidden away and it's not too loud in there. The kitchen also smelt pretty good so I suspect the pub grub will be decent.”
- Steve Hayward
“Came across this by accident on a busy Thursday evening - went in and not busy with places to sit at 6 or 7 in the evening - drinks not cheap but what is these days - good service clean and tidy and very good for charring cross station for way home - they have a small resturant which we have booked for next time Well.worth a visit”
- Geraint Whitley
“Champagne Charlie’s is a wonderfully characterful wine bar with a relaxed, slightly old-world charm, made all the better by genuinely friendly staff who are happy to engage—our visit even turned into an enjoyable chat about cultural differences. The standout was the beer: served in a satisfyingly hefty half-gallon jug, Davy’s Old Wallop was rich, smooth, and absolutely excellent, adding to the sense that this is a place that values tradition and experience over fuss.”
- Jeremy Holmes
“Popped in for drinks when the bar we were originally heading to was really busy. I wasn't sure whether to enter at first as it was down some steps and I wasn't sure what to expect. However went down and found a really nice relaxed bar and had a fantastic time. Had the house champagne which I can recommend! I will visit again when I can”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
- Closed
Good to know
“Tucked away beneath the arches of Charing Cross, Champagne Charlies has become a popular local institution for wining, dining and entertaining. The wood panelling, exposed brick, intimate alcoves and candlelit tables make for a cosy atmosphere, whilst our friendly and attentive team ensure exceptional service for all. With an extensive cellar and interesting selection of craft beers and spirits, there is plenty to explore on the drinks list. Port is decanted and Davy’s famous Old Wallop real ale is served in pewter tankards or half gallon copper jugs. Relax and enjoy classic British food from the bar and dining room menus, all made with seasonal ingredients sourced from our trusted suppliers.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Location
Wine bars near Champagne Charlies
- Gordon's Wine Bar4.66,3130 mi
cheese and charcuterie boards, extensive wine list, candlelit underground cellar
- All Bar One Covent Garden4.55,3030.2 mi
cocktails, nachos, grey goose melon sour
- The Mulwray4.42320.4 mi
wine flights, sparkling wine, classic cocktails
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champagne Charlies | 4.3328 | — | davy's old wallop beer, house champagne, cheese selection with wine |
| Gordon's Wine Bar | 4.66,313 | 0 mi | cheese and charcuterie boards, extensive wine list, candlelit underground cellar |
| All Bar One Covent Garden | 4.55,303 | 0.2 mi | cocktails, nachos, grey goose melon sour |
| The Mulwray | 4.4232 | 0.4 mi | wine flights, sparkling wine, classic cocktails |
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