Just a ten-minute walk from the iconic Tower Bridge, you might feel transported to the Champagne region. Tucked away in a quiet square, with fountains dancing and pines swaying, you’ll see the golden sign of CHAMPAGNE ROUTE restaurant. A few years ago, while vacationing in France and enjoying a glass of bubbly, founders PAULIUS and VIDA KETURAKIAI were inspired by the idea of opening a bar in London with a genuine focus on artisanal champagne. In a city brimming with options, they noticed the absence of an authentic champagne experience. Today, they seek to delight guests with tasty food and a unique selection of niche champagnes. Although the UK consumes around 40 million bottles of champagne each year, the founders say that no British supermarket rivals their selection’s variety and unique names. With over 300 types stocked in their bar, you won’t find any major brands here. Instead, Champagne Route exclusively features champagne from boutique producers in the Champagne region, setting this bar apart.

A True Taste of the Region

Winegrowers in Champagne joke that the French have fought harder for champagne than for their country. This quip highlights that only sparkling wine from Champagne, France, can legally be called “champagne.” Strict laws had led to famous disputes—such as when Apple once named an iPhone colour “champagne,” only to face challenges from the Comité Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), the regulatory body for champagne. Apple eventually had to change the colour’s name.

Paulius explains that in the Champagne region, roughly 19,000 grape growers cultivate approved varieties on 34,000 hectares of land, which includes 321 villages and 5,000 champagne houses. However, about 50 large producers dominate the market, leaving smaller independent winemakers with limited reach.

Sourcing exclusively from small-scale producers, Paulius and Vida’s Champagne Route offers a one-of-a-kind selection in London. “This variety from small producers is truly unique here,” Paulius says proudly. Beyond the 300 varieties of champagne, you’ll find Lithuanian wines and beers, too. However, prosecco lovers may be disappointed: despite prosecco’s popularity in England, Champagne Route stays true to the roots of champagne. Guests can, however, enjoy crémant, a sparkling wine made using traditional methods but from outside the Champagne region. “The process and quality are sometimes even better than champagne,” Paulius says.

“Many people call any sparkling wine ‘champagne,’ but that’s inaccurate. Our selections are made using the traditional Champagne method,” Paulius explains. “Sparkling wines vary significantly in quality and production, and true champagne has a unique identity—marked by its blend and the exceptional qualities of grapes grown in the Champagne region. A true champagne fan can immediately detect the nuanced flavours that other sparkling wines lack,” he adds. “Our customers are never disappointed; they often tell us they’ve never seen such a selection.”

Paulius with his wife Vida (center) alongside restaurant guests, Guildhawk company founder Jurga Žilinskiene MBE, and David Clarke. Photo: Gyles Photoart.

Jeans and Bubbly

The founders of Champagne Route describe two types of guests: those who openly admit they know little about sparkling wines and trust the hosts’ recommendations and those who are brand-focused but hesitant to try something new. Paulius listens carefully to each guest’s preferences, then recommends champagnes tailored to their tastes.

We visited Champagne Route on a cool summer evening with champagne-loving friends. Seated outside among the pines, Paulius suggested a rosé champagne to complement our oysters and cheese. The tranquil setting felt more like a seaside village than London, which seemed miles away. The attentive hosts soon brought warm blankets, allowing us to settle in comfortably with our chilled champagne. 

Even on a cool night, the terrace at Champagne Route was bustling. And if you picture only elegant men and women sipping champagne here, think again: nearby, a trio of hipsters enjoyed their bubbles, business colleagues held discussions, a couple sat romantically, and a lively group of friends joined the scene. The diverse clientele reflects the vibrant mix of London itself. The owners are thrilled to see more Lithuanians visiting. “Lithuanian women are more frequent guests than men, but it’s great to see Lithuanians choosing quality, joining our tastings, and hosting events here,” they say.

Champagne often conjures images of luxury and special occasions, making some hesitate for fear of hefty bills. “Times, trends, and stereotypes are changing. You can enjoy champagne in jeans, sneakers, or dressed up—it’s up to you. There’s always a reason to celebrate, and you don’t need a special occasion to visit our bar,” Paulius says. “Even though we’re called Champagne Route, you can enjoy food, wine, other drinks, or just coffee here. I understand the hesitation some feel to ask questions or seek advice. Good champagne doesn’t have to break the bank—it costs around £60 here on average, with crémants available for about £20.”

Feel free to ask—the hosts are happy to guide you through the menu and help you make the best choice. “Our goal isn’t just about selling champagne. We want guests to explore new flavours, find favourites, and leave with memorable experiences.”

Surviving the Pandemic

Paulius and Vida moved to London during the wave of emigrants in the 90s. “We were young,” Paulius recalls. “Like many Lithuanians, we started out in construction, hospitality, and later real estate.” Having grown up in Lithuania, where champagne traditions are few, they never imagined creating a business centred on this drink. But as time passed, they became eager for a new direction, and ideas for unique beverages bubbled up, much like champagne itself. Inspiration for the Champagne Route struck on a holiday drive to the French Riviera and crystallized over a glass of champagne in southern France.

Initially, they envisioned a boutique shop, but the plan evolved. The location they found seemed perfect for a bar—and then a restaurant! The choice of location was easy: close to central London, in East London, just outside the congestion charge zone, and within reach of Tower Bridge.

“We wanted to create something special,” the couple says. “We had no experience in the beverage industry—just a love for champagne. We had to completely shift careers, work hard, and learn constantly.”

Today, they’re well-prepared for anything after navigating the pandemic, with backup plans for every scenario. Reflecting on those early days, Paulius recalls how news of rising infections and sudden business closures hit hard. When Champagne Route opened, they had no idea what challenges lay ahead.

“We adapted quickly,” Paulius says. “We operated as a shop, offered take-out food, and our hampers were a hit.”

Now, the Champagne Route is bustling. Instagram captures lively photo sessions in the bar’s storeroom, and tables are booked for birthdays, lunches, and dinners. The owners host champagne and wine tastings, invite producers, and organize awards and club gatherings. For those eager to celebrate life, whether with bubbles or just a coffee under the pines, Champagne Route welcomes you to enjoy each moment fully. Carpe diem.

Champagne Route, 30 Gauging square, London E1W 2AE

Lithuanian Business Link. This project is partially funded by the Lithuanian Media Support Fund.