Champagne Charlies

British, Wine Bars·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Champagne Charlies

Bronze Award

Part of the dependable Davy’s stable, this sprawling basement bar in the arches beneath Charing Cross station features the group’s signature styling with sawdust floors, wood panelling, exposed brick & antiquarian knick-knacks. As the name suggests, there’s a range of fizz on the wine list – from reasonably priced Davy’s Célébration NV to Roederer’s Cristal at £200 – alongside interesting international reds & whites, bolstered by quality own-label bottles. Ports, sherries & Madeira feature too, while draft ales such as Old Wallop will please beer buffs. A revamped menu emphasises classic British dishes: think slow-cooked chicken leg in red wine, grilled chicken club or bangers & mash with Madeira gravy and homemade onion rings. Cooking doesn’t disappoint & swift service keeps local workers happy. ‘A cosy, reliable spot,’ concludes one reader.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
British, Wine Bars
Ambience
Traditional
Food Hygiene Rating

Location

17 The Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 6NG

020 7930 7737 020 7930 7737

Website

Opening Times

Mon-Fri 9am-11pm Sat 12N-11pm

Reviews

Share your thoughts with other diners

Write a review


8 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Christine M

05 November 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
Great venue for small groups

It began rather mellow.....but the dining area became much livlier.    Quality of food and wine excellent.    A good evening without doubt.

Daniella M

15 August 2019   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Champagne charlies

Great service 

Chris K

01 August 2018  
Visited this hidden gem of a restaurant, absolutely loved everything about it, just can't praise it enough.

elldeegee

27 September 2016  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Great Pre Theatre Meal
We went for the set 2 course pre theatre meal for £15.95 & were pleasantly surprised when they offered a 2 course meal & a glass of Prosecco for £19.95 Starters were smoked salmon & mozarella with cured ham - both excellent. For main we had slow cooked chicken leg outstanding. Looking forward to visiting again

elldeegee

26 June 2015  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4.5
Very nice surprise
Came across this restaurant by chance, when looking for a place to eat pre-theatre at Charing Cross Theatre. Great food - 2 courses 15.95 & they catered for my Celiac friend fantastically even though there was nothing on the menu to cover this. Will go there again in a heart beat

Joanna L

01 May 2012  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 4
Hidden off the street, under arches, the small doorway hides a small gem of a bar / restaurant. Ideal spot for after work drinks, friendly bar staff & plenty of places to sit whilst waiting for your friends to arrive. Waiting alone, I didn't feel awkward. The usual Davys wine list holds many good priced wines, along with specials. Bar food available of which I tried the salt encrusted pork & apple bap with crackling crisps & it didn't disappoint. Tasty, tender pork just perfect & well presented.

Ian B

24 April 2012  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Three of us arrived about 7pm Saturday evening 21/4/12 and given a warm welcome by the barman. Directed to the restaurant area. More seating than you would imagine on first sight. Very clean and tidy with very pleasant atmosphere. Waiters and waitresses all very well turned out, friendly and helpful. Given time to enjoy the menu experience. Range of drinks to suit all. Extensive menu providing wholesome, well cooked food and prepared in good time. Cheese board for cheese lovers with desserts for those who aren't. Very convenient under Charing Cross Station In Villiers St. Much better than chain restaurant dining and good value. The trio found nothing unfavourable.

Mike W

01 October 2010  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
Good ale and simple but reliable scoff. Wine list good and staff cheerful. It is of course underground so can get warm and you need to be flexible to squeeze into the loo's but a cosy, reliable spot that – thank Heavens – serves neither lager or mobile phones…
Book a table

Find a table

Sorry, you cannot spend SquareMeal vouchers here yet.

Other restaurants we like near Champagne Charlies

Check availability