On the heels of the reopening of historic Fitzrovia pub The George comes the unveiling of Upstairs at The George, a dining experience unlike any other. Led by James Knappett of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Kitchen Table, Upstairs at The George offers pub classics with an emphasis on seasonal and responsibly sourced produce.

© Mark Scott

The dining space’s newest addition, English Sparkling Wine Bar, anticipates flocks of guests this summer, all wanting to relax with some of the country’s finest sparkling wines. A small and elegant space, English Sparkling Wine Bar offers a carefully curated mix of English sparkling wines and cocktails, perfect for a late-night drink, pre-dinner aperitif or private wine-tasting experience.

Seamus Sharkey, head of wine, JKS Restaurants, embarked on tours with The George team to more than 20 wineries to select the finest selection of wines to showcase. Many of the wines featured at the new bar come from certain estates not available anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

© Mark Scott

Some of the English-based sparkling wines showcased at the new wine bar include Westwell Wines, a winery based in Kent that focuses on only four grape varieties; Wiston, a historic brand originating from a 16-acre vineyard in West Sussex; Exton Park, a family-owned winery in Hampshire drawing from a 10-year library of reserve wines; and Busi Jacobsohn, a Kent-based brand focusing on Brut and Rosé Cuvée varieties.

Alongside the English wine list, English Sparkling Wine Bar will also offer a comprehensive selection of wines from around the world, with more than 300 wines in which guests can indulge. Each of the wines represents the best of each region.

The cocktails, both aperitif- and digestif-style, highlight British spirits and seasonal ingredients. Cocktails include the Gimlet, a drink featuring London dry gin, sheep’s sorrel and Granny Smith apple, and the Smoked Cherry Kir Royale, a concoction with applewood-smoked amarena cherry and Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs.