For all you lovers of the good life, a spot in Joburg opened earlier this year. Called The Bubbly Bar Champagne Lounge and located in Greenside, the place serves all sorts of bubbly you can think of.
This is the place you come to for a celebration after a promotion, welcoming a friend in town or to unwind at the end of a difficult day.It is so festive and infectious, you couldn’t possibly leave under a cloud.
Drinks with names such as “The Grand Le fizz” and “The Debut” were served on the night. That’s because the choices go beyond champagne as they also have a range of exclusive wines and spirits. Grey Goose Vodka was the main sponsor of the night of the launch.
There are also non-alcoholic options available.
The Bubbly Bar celebrates champagne and sparkling wines in exciting cocktails and food pairings.
The co-owner, Tshepiso Motsumi, explained why she took on the venture and what to expect at Bubbly Bar Champagne Lounge.
“Bubbly Bar is the best space for champagne lovers in Joburg. As a young, black woman I had a simple dream of mixing my favourite drink and my love for food. Today it’s come alive and I want to share this with the rest of the country.
“I would love for everyone who loves champagne throughout the country to come and experience our culture, relaxing music and excellent food paired with our champagnes,” she said.
Motsumi said she had struggled to find a place to have good food and drinks, a place where she could relax and chill. “I love bubbly and there wasn’t a place that’s dedicated to it, until recently.”
The Bubbly Bar will have all kinds of sparkling wines on offer. “From champagne that’s actually from the Champagne region in France, to Italian prosecco, Spanish cava and our own methode cap classiques. But they are all going to be premium - we need to set ourselves apart. Not all brands will be available at The Bubbly Bar.”
The Bubbly Bar celebrates champagne and sparkling wines in exciting cocktails and food pairings.
There is also an educational element to the Bubbly Bar.
“People have mostly only been introduced to the popular brands. However, there are so many more really great quality brands available for lovers of bubbly.
“The plan is to eventually have a museum of sparkling wine, where we have the whole journey - from grapes to it being poured in your glass.”
As a fan of bubbly, she doesn’t believe in stocking brands and wines she doesn’t enjoy. “I must be able to recommend it to our patrons at Bubbly Bar. I want to introduce people to various brands of sparkling wines, ones they sometimes see but because they haven’t tried or know them, they don’t purchase. There are some really great sparkling wines that are available.”
And since it’s also a restaurant, what does she like to have with her bubbly? “Oh, nothing beats a grilled duck breast with a brut. It’s the best thing, ever.”
This article was first published on March 18, 2017 on the Saturday Star's 48 Hours.