Sandia Chang, renowned sommelier and co-founder of Fitzrovia’s Bubbledogs, will launch Bubbleshop By Sandia Chang, a one-stop-online-shop delivering the most sought-after bottles of grower Champagne nationwide from Monday 27 July.
With the restaurant and bar industry continuing to evolve in a post-COVID world, combined with a bid to make Champagne more accessible to the masses, the new online store will be filled with a selection of Chang’s favourite grower Champagnes from some of the region’s most exciting and experienced producers, alongside bottles from lesser-known vineyards.
Chang’s hand-picked selections will be available to purchase by the bottle, with names including George Laval, Tarlant, Olivier Horiot, and Marie Courtin. These bottles will be available for nationwide delivery, ensuring that Champagne enthusiasts across the country are given access to Chang’s most coveted choices.
Chang, who has won a multitude of awards for her wine lists at both Bubbledogs and two-Michelin starred Kitchen Table, as well as stints as the expert sommelier on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and C4 Sunday Brunch, has always aspired to make Champagne more accessible, than it has traditionally been.
This mission is reflected in the Bubbleshop, where customers will be able to browse via categories such as The White Party (Blanc de Blancs), Unicorns (particularly rare choices), and Rising Stars (featuring the newer generation of Champagne producers). With these categories and more on the store, Sandia aims to elevate her bubbles, and the reputation of Champagne in general to more than just the drink of choice for celebrations only.
Chang will also ensure her much-loved brand, Bubbledogs will make its own stamp online. Her and the team have created four home kits - The Mac Daddy, The Reuben, The Mexican, and The Chilli Cheese – that customers will be also be able to purchase and recreate in the comfort of their own home.
Each kit serves 2 and is priced at £20, with the added touch of the restaurant’s serving trays and Bubbledogs greaseproof paper, so that they can be plated up restaurant-style. Customers will also be able to add a bottle of Sandia’s recommend Champagne pairing to their home-kit purchase.
To celebrate the launch of Chang’s online venture, a selection of Champagnes from world renowned producer and biodynamic farming advocate, David Leclapart, will be placed on a flash sale from Monday 27 July.
Those lucky enough to snap one of these bottles up will be able to take advantage of a live Zoom tasting event with Leclapart and Chang on Friday 7 August, where the pair will explore each of his bottles and also take a deeper dive into the Champagne world.