In a bold and unexpected move, Greggs, the beloved British bakery chain, is launching its most premium venture to date—a Champagne bar at Fenwick’s iconic department store in Newcastle. Opening on 24 October and running until 31 December, this collaboration will see Greggs’ famous savoury delights paired with some of the finest Champagnes, marking the bakery’s first foray into luxury dining.
Following the success of last year’s Bistro Greggs, which attracted over 8,000 diners within a month, this latest venture promises to be an even more extravagant experience. The new Greggs Champagne Bar, located in Fenwick’s food hall, will offer a reservation-only service, allowing diners to enjoy classic Greggs menu items with a gourmet twist, alongside premium drinks such as Bollinger Rosé and Laurent Perrier. For those looking to indulge, the prestigious Louis Roederer Cristal is available at £75 per glass or £425 per bottle.
A Fine Dining Twist on Greggs Favourites
Executive head chef at Fenwick, Mark Reid, has worked closely with Greggs to reimagine their classic menu items. The famous Steak Bake will now be served with a rich peppercorn aioli, while the beloved Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt will be elevated with a pairing of Bloody Mary ketchup. The iconic Sausage Roll has also been revamped with a hot honey chilli sauce, offering a unique twist on the classic snack.
For those with a sweet tooth, the bar will also serve cocktails inspired by Greggs’ famous treats. Highlights include the Yum Yum Twist—a rum-based cocktail made with real Yum Yums—and the Cream Éclair, featuring vanilla vodka and dark chocolate liqueur. Non-alcoholic options include the Peach Melba mocktail, offering a refined take on Greggs’ signature sweet flavours.
A Nod to the Belle Époque Era
The design of the Greggs Champagne Bar pays homage to the Belle Époque era, a period known for its elegance and opulence. The bar, seating 16 guests, features Art Nouveau touches, creating a decadent atmosphere. Guests can even ring vintage crystal bells for top-ups of their chosen tipple, adding a playful yet luxurious touch to the experience.
A Unique North East Collaboration
This pop-up is the latest in a series of attention-grabbing collaborations for Greggs, which has previously partnered with brands such as Monzo and Primark. However, the partnership with Fenwick stands out for its focus on elevating Greggs’ humble baked goods to a luxury dining experience. Leo Fenwick, strategic partnerships director at Fenwick, expressed his excitement: “We are proud to once again partner with fellow North East icon, Greggs. This collaboration offers a truly unique dining experience, blending the familiar with the extraordinary.”
Greggs’ customer director, Hannah Squirrell, echoed this sentiment: “Champagne and Greggs might not seem like the most obvious pairing, but after the success of our Bistro Greggs last year, we’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to Fenwick. A chilled glass of Champagne with a Sausage Roll will be the hottest ticket in town for 2024.”
A New Era of Dining for Greggs
As Greggs continues to expand its brand beyond traditional bakery fare, ventures like the Champagne Bar at Fenwick highlight its ability to innovate and surprise. The pop-up runs until the end of December and promises to offer visitors a fun and memorable way to enjoy Greggs’ classics, while sipping on some of the world’s most prestigious Champagnes.
With this latest collaboration, Greggs reinforces its reputation as a brand willing to straddle sectors, from high street to high-end, without losing its charm or mass appeal.
