Greggs is preparing to introduce a novel dining concept with the opening of its first Champagne bar at Fenwick, Newcastle. Set to debut on 24 October, this venture promises to redefine the bakery’s traditional offerings.
Greggs Takes a Step into Premium Dining
The renowned bakery chain, Greggs, is set to make a pioneering move by launching its first-ever Champagne bar at the Fenwick department store in Newcastle. Opening on 24 October, this exclusive venue aims to be “the UK’s most premium Greggs,” operating on a reservation-only basis. This venture will be available to patrons until 31 December, coinciding with the festive season.
A Culinary Collaboration
In an innovative culinary collaboration, Fenwick’s executive head chef, Mark Reid, has teamed up with Greggs to reinvent its classic savoury offerings. An indulgent menu has been crafted combining traditional favourites with contemporary condiments. For instance, the sausage roll is paired with a spicy honey chilli sauce, adding a modern twist to an iconic snack.
Champagne Pairings
For the first time, patrons will savour Greggs’ baked delights alongside a curated selection of Champagnes. Options include Bollinger Rosé and Laurent Perrier, with Cristal available for those seeking an extravagant experience, priced at £75 per glass or £425 per bottle. A focus on quality and luxury sets this pop-up apart, making it a must-visit spot for both food and Champagne enthusiasts.
Desserts are equally enticing, with signature cocktails inspired by Greggs’ sweet treats. Options like the “Yum Yum Twist,” a rum-based delight crafted with actual Yum Yums, or the “Cream Éclair,” featuring vanilla vodka and dark chocolate liqueur, promise a unique indulgence. A non-alcoholic “Peach Melba” cocktail offers variety, ensuring all guests find something to enjoy.
Strategic Partnerships
Leo Fenwick, strategic partnerships director, is thrilled about the renewed collaboration with Greggs, remarking on last year’s success with Bistro Greggs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand their restaurant offerings through creative partnerships. The aim is to provide consumers with unique and memorable dining experiences within the department store environment.
This partnership reflects a growing trend in the retail sector, where traditional store boundaries are being transcended to offer new attractions that draw customers in. By leveraging such collaborations, businesses like Fenwick are enhancing their services, thereby creating a distinctive competitive edge in a challenging market.
Greggs’ Vision
According to Hannah Squirrell, Greggs’ customer director, the Champagne bar concept is an adventurous yet strategic move following the positive response to their Bistro Greggs initiative. Although pairing Greggs’ savoury treats with Champagne is unconventional, it reflects a growing interest in blending high-end and casual dining experiences.
Squirrell hopes to replicate last year’s success and attract even more visitors this year. She describes the concept as offering a fun exploration, suggesting that a chilled glass of Champagne served with a sausage roll could very well become the “hottest ticket in the Toon for 2024.”
Customer Experience
The focus is on crafting an exceptional customer experience, one that combines culinary innovation with comfort and luxury. This venture is not merely about offering Champagne but creating a space where tradition meets modernity, delighting diverse palates.
Fenwick and Greggs are keen for the bar to become not just a dining venue but a place for social interaction and unique experiences. This aligns with their shared vision of creating a welcoming atmosphere, where guests can enjoy memorable moments.
Truly Unique Offer
The Greggs Champagne Bar encapsulates a fresh concept within the food and beverage sector. By merging traditional bakery delights with fine dining elements, it offers a distinctive experience that stands apart from typical retail dining options.
As Greggs embarks on this innovative journey, its new Champagne bar at Fenwick promises to offer visitors an experience that is both extraordinary and emblematic of modern culinary trends. With its fusion of familiar tastes and luxurious touches, it is set to become a highlight in Newcastle’s dining scene.
