Press a Button for Champagne at Bob Bob Ricard in London

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling, it’s that the most memorable experiences are rarely just about the food. On my trip to London, I found a restaurant that stopped me in my tracks the moment I heard that ordering champagne was part of the experience.

Bob Bob Ricard Soho in London

Bob Bob Ricard Soho has been a Soho staple since 2008, and the second you walk in, it feels like stepping into a more glamorous era of dining.

The space is warm and intimate, with every table tucked into its own private booth.

Table setting at Bob Bob Ricard Soho in London featuring the restaurant’s signature pink plates and branded napkin.
The signature pink plates and elegant table setting at Bob Bob Ricard Soho in London

So you can actually slow down and enjoy the experience rather than feeling like you’re being rushed through a meal.

The Press for Champagne Button

Pressing the button for champagne is easily the most talked-about part of dining here, and I was genuinely excited to try it for myself.

Once seated in the booth, the small button built into the table catches your attention right away.

There’s no rush or pressure; it’s just there when you’re ready.

Champagne flute beside the press for champagne button at Bob Bob Ricard Soho in London, highlighting the restaurant’s signature dining experience.
Pressing the button for champagne at Bob Bob Ricard in London is just as fun as it sounds

When I finally pressed it, the moment felt fun and a little ridiculous in the best way.

Almost immediately, a server appeared to take the champagne order, and the experience felt seamless rather than gimmicky.

My Dining Experience at Bob Bob Ricard

Here is everything I ate and drank at Bob Bob Ricard in Soho!

Starting the Meal with a –18°C Vodka Shot

Before moving on to food, we decided to start the meal with one of the vodka shots served at –18°C.

It felt like the right way to lean into the experience and slow things down a bit before dinner.

Ice-cold vodka shot served at minus 18 degrees at Bob Bob Ricard in London, reflecting the restaurant’s classic and indulgent dining style.
Starting the meal with 18°C vodka at Bob Bob Ricard Soho

The vodka is kept ice cold, and it arrives perfectly chilled without being harsh, which honestly surprised me.

While Bob Bob Ricard isn’t a traditional Russian restaurant, the focus on ice-cold vodka and caviar service reflects subtle Russian influences.

Stinking Bishop Cheese Soufflé

For an appetizer, we started with the Stinking Bishop cheese soufflé, and it was one of those dishes that immediately set the bar for the rest of the meal.

Stinking Bishop cheese soufflé starter served at Bob Bob Ricard Soho in London, a popular dish at the iconic press for champagne restaurant.
The Stinking Bishop cheese soufflé was the perfect way to start our meal in London

The soufflé arrived light and airy, with a rich, savory flavor that didn’t feel heavy at all.

The hazelnuts and Comté sauce added depth without overpowering the dish.

It came with pear, apple, and ginger chutney that added a subtle sweetness and just enough brightness to balance the dish.

Chicken and Champagne Pie

For the main course, we ordered the chicken and champagne pie, which felt like a natural next step after the lighter starter.

The filling combined tender chicken, chestnut mushrooms, leeks, carrots, and caramelized onions.

Chicken and champagne pie served at Bob Bob Ricard in London, a signature main dish known for its flaky pastry and rich filling.
The chicken and champagne pie at Bob Bob Ricard arrived golden and perfectly baked.

All brought together with a champagne butter sauce.

The puff pastry was golden and flaky, adding just the right amount of texture without overpowering the filling.

Chateaubriand for One

The other main we ordered was the chateaubriand for one, made with 28-day aged Hereford beef and pan-roasted to bring out its natural richness.

The beef was tender and full of flavor, and the truffle jus added just enough depth without taking over the dish.

Chateaubriand steak served with truffle jus at Bob Bob Ricard Soho in London, a classic main dish from the iconic press for champagne restaurant.
The chateaubriand for one at Bob Bob Ricard was rich, tender, and finished with a deep truffle jus

It felt more classic and straightforward compared to the pie, which made it a great contrast on the table.

This is the kind of dish that lets the quality of the meat speak for itself.

BBR Signature Chocolate Glory

We ended our meal with the BBR Signature Chocolate Glory!

One of the restaurant’s most famous desserts is a dish that regularly goes viral online.

BBR Signature Chocolate Glory dessert at Bob Bob Ricard in London, with warm chocolate sauce poured over the iconic chocolate sphere.
The BBR Signature Chocolate Glory dessert is finished tableside with chocolate sauce.

It’s rich without being overwhelming, made with Valrhona dark chocolate, praline crunch, coffee mousse, and caramelized hazelnuts, all finished with warm chocolate sauce poured over the top.

The presentation is part of what makes it so popular, but it’s not just for show.

If you have room for dessert, this one is worth saving space for.

Where Is Bob Bob Ricard Located?

Bob Bob Ricard has two locations in London, each offering the same signature style and dining experience.

  • Bob Bob Ricard Soho, located in the heart of Soho
  • Bob Bob Ricard City, located near the City of London financial district

For our visit, we dined at the Soho location, which felt lively and perfectly placed for an evening out in central London.

Jazz Night at Bob Bob Ricard

We happened to visit on one of Bob Bob Ricard’s jazz nights, which added an extra layer to the evening.

Live jazz takes place on select dates, usually about once a month, and adds a relaxed, old-school atmosphere that fits the restaurant’s glamorous style.

Live jazz performance inside Bob Bob Ricard Soho in London during a scheduled jazz night, showing the restaurant’s elegant interior and dining atmosphere.
Jazz night at Bob Bob Ricard Soho added a lively but intimate atmosphere to the evening!

It felt intimate rather than loud, making it easy to enjoy the music without it taking over the dining experience.

Because jazz nights are limited, check the restaurant’s schedule in advance if this is something you’re hoping to catch.

Reservations and Tips Before You Go

Bob Bob Ricard is a popular spot, especially in the evenings and on weekends, so reservations are strongly recommended.

It’s the kind of restaurant people plan around, and tables tend to book up quickly.

If you’re hoping to experience the press for the champagne button without feeling rushed, booking a slightly earlier dinner can be a good option.

Explore More of London

I did so much during my time in London!

Here are the Best Afternoon Teas in London, 4 Unique Teas to Try!

For cocktails, here are 10 London Speakeasies You’d Never Find Without Looking.

For another amazing dinner spot, try 34 Mayfair in London!

Read all of my London Travel Guides!

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