Epernay is the world capital of Champagne, didn’t you know? And if you want to learn a thing or two about Champagne you better step into the Champagne themed chain bar on Great George Street.

The Venue
Epernay is not a flashy type of bar. Its decor is not impressive and its sombre rather than selling itself on a wow factor. All the chairs are covered in black leather and there are armchairs and tall stools placed around the dark wooden tables. The most interesting feature has to be the empty Champagne bottles recycled as candle holders on every table. There's also an impressive parade of these above the bar.

Most of the walls are exposed brickwork and the bar has a fair few glasses hanging from the top. An indoor patio shared with two other venues allows you to sit with the illusion of being outdoors without having to bear the wind, rain and cold.

The People
Epernay is not a place where a consistent group of regulars hangout. Champagne is, afterall, a special occasion sort of drink. However there are a few familiar faces who drop in regularly for wine, a cappuccino or a beer. The customers are a mixed bag of couples, business groups trying to show-off in front of clients or to celebrate a contract, and a few others popping in for an impressive drink on a date. All are formally or elegantly dressed so plan to wear a smart outfit. The service is not very inviting as the bar staff are rather loud and not particularly friendly.

The Food and Drink
Epernay is the ultimate Champagne bar. No other establishment in Leeds deserves the name more since this bar offers no less than 45 different bottles sourced from 19 Champagne houses.

There are nine available by the glass starting at a reasonable £6.50 and escalating to an expensive £18.50 for the precious Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvee Palm D’Or 1997. By the bottle the choice multiplies. The price range starts at a regular £32 for a Moet and Chandon N.V. and goes all the way up to the stare-inducing Belle Epoque Rose priced at a money-no-object £800. In between there is something for almost all pockets. A Louis Roeder (the same producer of the Cristal) Vintage Rose is £80 or a Krug 1981 is £400.

And if these prices make your wallet tighten you can still taste some bubbly in Champagne cocktails which are cheap at only £6 to £6.50. Watch out though. The Prestige Champagne Cocktail, made with Dom Perignon and Hennessey Cognac, is a painful £45. Non champagne based short, long, Martini and creamy concoctions are also listed on the menu (£5-£6) and so are the good range of spirits (£2.50).

A range of wines (£4 to £6 a glass or £11.50 to £23 a bottle for the regular selection) and imported beers (£2.80 to £3.50) complete the list. If it's too early for Champagne you can still go for a Vedett, Cusquena, Modelo, Cruzcampo, Fruli or the French Kasteel Cru which, made with Champagne yeast, could not be more at home than here.

There are only bar snacks on offer with olives (£1.50) and a cheese board (£5.50) and pittas with dipping sauces. There's also a Continental platter which has meats, smoked salmon and other treats for £6.50. Nibbles are available until 9pm.

The Last Word
Epernay is the ultimate Champagne bar. You'll struggle to find anything to match it. If you love bubbly you should definitely make a visit. But a word of advice - keep an eye on the bar tab as it can easily rocket.

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