Bars & Pubs

An offshoot of the popular champagne bar in Parsons Green, this Soho branch of Amuse Bouche continues the remit of providing quality fizz at low prices. The neutral, contemporary surroundings, not unlike an All Bar One, make it friendly and casual, although some might find having the football on downstairs (in the basement function room) and the smell of chips incompatible with a bottle of Bollinger. Starting with house champagne Bouché Père et Fils Brut NV at £5 per glass (plus 12.5% service), the 50-strong list then rises up through the ranks of big-name brands. Pretty much all cost under £50 a bottle, though some great vintages – notably Pol Roger Cuvée Winston Churchill ‘96 (£130) and Krug ‘96 (£200) – rise into the stratosphere, where you’ll also find Cristal magnums (£750). Most commendable is the effort to include several lesser-known houses, a few at under £8.50 a glass, meaning it’s possible to experiment without financial ruin. Champagne cocktails (from £5) are crisp and fruity. Staff are friendly and keen to help, even if they don’t always know their stuff. It doesn’t seem to bother the chattering girls and suits who love this place.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009