Tirage – Champagne et Plats

Lovers of fizz and fine food are flocking to the heart of the City where new restaurant, Tirage, is offering one of the capital’s largest selections of Champagne and sparkling wine by the glass, expertly paired with perfectly-portioned ‘plats’.

Located on Bishopsgate, the all-day dining destination is the brainchild of Venezuelan-born businessman-turned-restaurateur Elio Machillanda and his wife Claudia, with Michelin-starred restaurateur David Moore (Pied à Terre, L’Autre Pied and, more recently, Pieds Nus) in an advisory role.

Combining the traditional sophistication of French cuisine with the zesty palette of Peru, the plats are matched with Grand Bruts, Cuvées, Proseccos and Crémants for a dining experience with plenty of sparkle.

Head Sommelier, Roberto Della Pietra, whose past experience includes Roussillon Restaurant in Pimlico, Gauthier Soho, and John Burton-Race’s L’Ortolan in Shinfield, sampled more than 200 bottles of bubbly in search of the 120 labels that have made it onto the final, carefully compiled list.

At any point in time, 18-22 varieties of Champagne and sparkling wine are available by the glass – a number  predicted to increase to 30 in the near future.

From firm favourites such as house label Perrier Jouët Grand Brut Champagne, starting at £11 a glass, to a rare Salon “Le Mesnil” 1985 Blanc de Blancs for £1,600 a bottle, your time.

Other rare and treasured labels that Roberto is particularly proud to include are: Didier Ducos ‘Absolu Meunier’ (100% Pinot Meunier); Drappier Brut Nature ‘Sans Ajout de Soufre’ (100% Pinot Noir, with no added sugar or sulphites); Lacroix ‘Reserve’ (Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend.

Head Chef Alasdair Fraser (previously of The Abingdon, Kensington) ensures the food at Tirage is taken just as seriously as the Champagne.

Who needs wall hangings when you have hundreds of Champagne bottles and a thousand bespoke Villeroy and Boch crystal flutes at your disposal? Stunning back-lit wine walls feature throughout the two-storey restaurant, separated by exposed brick walls, industrial-style lighting and deep charcoal-painted columns embellished with timeless quotes about Champagne in gold.

For private gatherings, the Perrier Jouët private dining room on the ground floor is separated from the main bar and dining area by glass doors reaching up to the high ceiling, allowing those inside to still see all the action. This beautiful space showcases exquisite Belle Époque inspired interiors and an impressive Perrier-Jouët Champagne display.

www.tirage.co.uk