CityLife

Epernay

Epernay - terrific view of night-time Manchester

IT'S a well-known fact (round these parts anyway) that Manchester likes to do things differently. Innovative, proud, contrary even – this city prides itself on walking its own path.

Which means it’s somehow apt that in the middle of global recession, a financial meltdown, with the MP expenses crisis rumbling and the credit crunch in full swing that CityLife finds itself this week reviewing, you’ve guessed it, a champagne bar.

Granted the Epernay concept found its genesis in Leeds, where a sister to the more recent Peter Street venture has operated since 2005.

But there’s no doubt that the Cheshire set and footballer crowds respectively will be making a beeline for this new arrival, keen to show that the party – ideally held in the city’s shiniest new bars – must go on.

No velvet ropes

The independent owners of Epernay, however, are keen that their first floor bar doesn’t become victim to either champagne charlies or champagne clichés.

Instead they’re looking for customers to consider making the bar – in the predominantly residential Great Northern tower – their local; a place to visit any time of the week, not just when you’re dressed to the nines for your Saturday night out.

No VIP area then, and no velvet ropes: on recent sunny days it’s the al fresco first floor balcony that’s been the most desirable place to be.

Better visited earlier in the evening at weekends, it's CityLife’s top tip, before Peter Street fills up and the marauding hoards below spoil the civilized air.

Epic champagne selection

And what of Epernay’s raison d’etre? The champagne selection is epic, and ranges from the house Ayala at £5 a glass (Epernay are the only venue to stock this outside of the Gordon Ramsay estate) to rare vintages to impress even the most sophisticated connoisseur.

Add to that a spot on cocktail selection, friendly service and flash interior design and Epernay makes a very positive first impression. If they can keep the door tight this could be the first great bar on the Peter Street corridor.

Epernay, Great North TowerWatson Street, Manchester M3 4E (0161 834 8802).