Perhaps you would not ordinarily visit a station to drink champagne but this is no ordinary station. Even as St Pancras first opened in 1877, its architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott, described the station as “too good for its purpose”. Recently renovated at a cost of £800,000,000, St Pancras is also known as ‘the cathedral of railways’.

Some 210m in length, spanning 75m and more than 30m high, the painstakingly-restored trainshed roof was designed by engineer William Henry Barlow. At the time, it was the largest covered space in the world. How better to marvel at the graceful curves, arching in unbroken line from platform level to the ridge at the top, than from the Grand Champagne Bar?

Sited on the Upper Concourse, in keeping with the grandeur of these surroundings, this is the longest champagne bar in Europe. There is seating for 110 people but be warned! The booths, with leather banquettes, individual fan heaters and solicitous table service are very difficult to leave.

A showcase of Champagne in every hue, vintage and price tag, you can choose from 70 bins. Prices range from about £40 to £2,700 for a bottle of 1949 Krug. Eleven are available by the glass, priced from under £8 to around £25.

You could start the day with a Champagne Breakfast of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs on toast and a glass of Champagne, served from 10am. The laydeez of Big Red London visit The Grand Champagne Bar at St Pancras later on, preferring to share Afternoon Tea here. We recommend the experience highly and heartily.