Bar raised                                           (Sitegeist)

Luxury brands sparkle in prestigious environments, a point demonstrated by Harrods' recent launch of the first champagne bar and boutique within a UK department store. Sat Bal (15 Mar'09)

The Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Boutique is aptly situated amid the international fashion labels on floor 1 at Harrods. From here it offers shoppers a locus for meeting, relaxing and, of course, sipping the bubbly nectar.  

At the bar contemporary leather stools give shoppers a “front row view” of designer labels, including St John and Ferre. The lounge area (below) glows with Clicquot's orange-yellow brand tones and allows dining or an intimate space in which to chat in relative tranquility.

Naturally, the full range of cuvées are available from Yellow Label and Veuve Clicquot Rosé to vintages and La Grande Dame - available by the glass and by the bottle with prices starting from £13.00 per flute.

Champagnes from the Clicquot range can be chosen to accompany dishes such as  ceviche of cured salmon with bitter orange, red onion and lime and salad of grilled asparagus and marinated shitake mushrooms with a Miso vinaigrette, edamame and daikon sprouts and raspberry macaroon, with prices starting at £9.00 per dish.

The Boutique also offers the latest Veuve Clicquot gifts, such as the new Ice Jacket and Traveller and other stylish champagne accessories, sold exclusively through Harrods. 

“Our latest venture is ideal for the fashionista, owing to its location and style," said Matthias Kiehm, business unit director for the Harrods Food Halls and Restaurants. "It firmly establishes Harrods as a destination not just for shopping, but for dining as well. With 28 different restaurants, each offering a different style of food and drink, there is truly something for everyone.”

Melanie Boury, brand manager Veuve Clicquot commented: "We are delighted with our partnership with Harrods and having the motto ‘One quality, the finest’, no doubt Madame Clicquot would have loved to associate her House with Harrods, another ‘best-in-class’, worldwide renowned for its excellence.”

Harrods already courts the events and hospitality sector with spaces available for fashions shows, product launches and meetings. Its new initiative bolsters its core offering and establishes the increasing versatility of retail spaces.   

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