YOU COULD say, with the advent of social media, that we can no longer harbour 'hidden gems' when it comes to bars and restaurants. Most new venues boast a hashtag long before they've even finished the paint job. We don't help, of course, being gobby about such things.

Taking inspiration from the original 'capitale du Champagne', there are 32 champagnes to indulge on

Great Northern Tower's long-standing champagne bar, Epernay, was once such a hidden gem - a go-to venue for those in the know looking to impress a date or thrash out a deal. But now the bubbly bar - under new management - is looking to shout about its new look and appeal to a new audience.

Adopting a more fresh and streamlined look, whilst still retaining its sophisticated edge, the new bosses have opened up the entire first-floor space and revitalised the back room with floor-to-ceiling windows and new pastel-shade furniture. With exposed brickwork and sultry lighting, the front room and bar now offers a cosy corner for an intimate rendezvous and, as ever, a perfect space for celebrating with bubbles.

“We definitely want more people to know we’re here,” says Epernay manager, Marc Farrell. “It was dated. Now we want to appeal to a younger market – the ones who have the expendable income and like to socialise - without alienating our older, loyal customers."

 

Epernay’s young and enthusiastic new owners, Chris Payne and Carla McMacmaster (who also operate Number One Watson Street downstairs), plan to enliven the bar with DJs and parties. Still, they don't intend to tamper with their tried and tested model, so champagne is still their bread and bubble.

Taking inspiration from the original 'capitale du Champagne', there are 32 champagnes to indulge on – including the likes of vintage Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut and Bollinger La Grande Année Brut - as well as twenty carefully selected wines and 24 cocktails.

“Come September, we aim to specialise in more vintage champagnes. Where in many places you can get a Dom Perignon 2006, we’ll offer a Dom Perignon 1998, for example. The aim is to become even more specialist,” says Farrell.

With an extended drinks offering comes plans to up their food game too, with a new menu of small plates rolling out this Autumn.

Until then, here's how she now looks: 

 
Epernay
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Find Epernay, Unit 1a, Great Northern Tower, Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE

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