Up until recently, trips to Kings Cross have been for business rather than pleasure, with commuters doing little more than changing from one line to another. However, now that the St. Pancras International terminal has been revamped and christened with the arrival of the first Eurostar train, this looks set to change.

St. Pancras will not only be a key destination for the Eurostar and high-speed rail in the UK, but also a haven of chic shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. By early next year, the station will be home to branches of La Senza, Marks & Spencer, Hamleys, LK Bennett, Yo Sushi, Foyles and many more.

Prestigious British catering company, Searcy’s, are involved with many of the new venues opening at the station. Project Director, John Nugent, described their involvement as “the project of a lifetime” and explained that being involved from the outset has enabled them to deliver “a service that is both bespoke and beyond compromise.”

Searcy’s – who already have bars and restaurants at the Royal Opera House, The Barbican and The National Portrait Gallery - will be opening a restaurant, bar and private dining room at platform level in Spring 2008. Fortunately, their Champagne Bar – adjacent to Eurostar Track Five – is already open for business, having been unveiled on November 14th and officially launched with a party hosted by GQ Magazine.

At 96 meters long, it is Europe’s longest champagne bar - complete with a breathtaking view of the entire terminal and it’s historic vaulted ceilings. The bar itself is an illuminated cube in the middle of the impressive space, while the seating stretches out into the distance on either side. Bar stools, high tables and a dozen leather banquettes provide seating for 110, and there is plenty of standing room too.

However, as the station can be cold in the winter months; the stools at the bar (tucked under glowing overhead heaters) and the six-seater booths along side are in high demand. The sumptuous banquettes benefit from individual fan heaters which can be adjusted to your preferred temperature, as well as under-seat heating to ensure that - even in December - only the champagne is chilled.

With its highly polished walnut surfaces, striking black Art Deco lamps and smartly dressed staff; the Champagne Bar aims for elegance and succeeds with ease.

The menu showcases a vast range of champagne in all its many hues and vintages, with an impressive 70 bins to choose from. Prices range from a modest $82 to a $5,586 bottle of 1949 Krug, but more affordable options are available by the glass, starting at $15.50. Champagne cocktails are priced at $19.65 and their Bellini (champagne with a generous splash of peach puree) is one of the best in London.

For those waiting for their train’s departure or those delaying their arrival at work; breakfast is available from the civilized hour of 10 a.m. onwards and you can rest assured that there are no greasy, fried monstrosities on this particular menu. Choose from home-cured bacon and grilled tomato on sourdough, organic porridge with honey, or a full Champagne breakfast of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs on toast, tea or coffee, and - of course - a glass of champagne.

Throughout the day, Head Chef Jane Collins serves up open sandwiches and canapé plates’ featuring dishes like rare beef with horseradish and mustard, salmon blini with caviar, and Devonshire langoustine with lime mayonnaise.

Between 3 and 5 p.m., yummy mummies and traveling fashionistas can take time out to enjoy a selection of dainty sandwiches, traditional scones with jam and clotted cream, the cake of the day, tea, coffee and a glass of Pommery Rosé NV Champagne. A thoroughly decadent way to spend an afternoon.

No matter what you choose from the menu, you can’t fail to be impressed by the breathtaking panoramic view of the terminal and the way the Eurostar trains glide along the track, just inches from your seat. Thankfully, those who are unsteady on their feet after a bottle or two of the bar’s finest fizz are prevented from falling on to Track Five by a glass wall.

Having received rave reviews in the British press; the first few months after it’s grand opening will undoubtedly be a success for the Champagne Bar, with both tourists and locals making the journey to see if it lives up to the hype. After that, if the high standards are maintained, it will become the only place to wait for your train, or meet friends or colleagues for an after-work drink.

As the Evening Standard put it, “It may not make the trains run on time, but it’ll help you forget you ever cared.”

So whether you’re waiting for your train to Paris, or just wishing you were; the St. Pancras International Champagne Bar adds a welcome touch of decadence to any journey.

St Pancras International
Pancras Rd.
London, UK
NW1 2QP
Tel: 020 7843 4250
www.stpancras.com

- Reviewed by Kate Pierce

Kate Pierce, also known as The London Libertine, is a writer and photographer living and working in London. A hedonist and epicure at heart, she spends her free time trying out new restaurants, bars and lounges in the City.