by Sophie Hunt
When Broccoli met Bizot, Bond met Bollinger. And arguably, the rest is history.
Shaken or stirred, things seemed to have gone swimmingly, since (Cubby) Broccoli, the Bond Producer & (Christian) Bizot, head honcho of family Bollinger, met at their estate back in 1978. It was here, that an informal, gentlemanly partnership was formed that has stood the test of time. With no formal contract or monetary exchange, dare I say it, a strong bond was formed; Bollinger would be 007’s weapon of choice.
When I was whisked off my feet in the Burlington Arcade last week, and treated to a limited edition Bollinger 007 Special Cuvée, I knew this was no coincidence…
The Arcade has been home to three other quintessentially British, long term Bond partners for a number of years now. Namely; Globe-Trotter, Crockett & Jones and N.Peal. Glamour personified; accessories licensed to kill. Most recently, Omega, keeping bond to accurate Swiss time.
It was no mistake that this unique, gilded clad pop-up was located here. The world’s first Bollinger 007 Champagne bar and the only standalone branded bar in London has landed. Its timely launch celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Goldfinger film, and in such style.
Plush velvetine 70’s furnishings adorn a mirrored entrance, decked out with a plethora of iconic treasures; golden DB5’s, Oddjob’s top hat, Bond girl whacky waistcoat, Goldfinger’s golf shoes, a lurking & loaded Wax Work Connery, glass LP record tables and an uber cool retro 007 pinball machine. The bar is a total homage to the sybaritic Goldfinger fantasy. Our waitress was funkily dressed and looked like she’d stepped straight out the cabin of Auric Goldfinger’s Lockheed Jet! Staff are fun, vibe is funky, be sure to snap a piccy in the mirrored ceiling & don’t miss the bullion bling Fort Knox loo!
Loodicrously cool.
Bolly well done.