THE ART OF SABRAGE

Join us for a celebration of Champagne

Thursday 31st July 2025

Here at Northcote, we have become masters of enjoying champagne, nothing says celebrations and good times like champagne. The art of Sabrage is a ceremonial technique whereby a bottle of Champagne is opened with a sabre, a method that became popular in France during Napoleon’s reign. Napoleon is reported to have said, “Champagne! In victory one deserves it, in defeat one needs it”. The blade travels up the neck of the bottle to break it away near the cork, leaving the main body of the bottle ready to pour. From those noble beginnings, the splendid art of Sabrage has developed into an exciting, fun way of celebrating the joy of Champagne.

We are honoured to be a member of the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or, an organisation that has continued through the years to promote this unique tradition. Hosted by our own Commander le Sabreur Craig Bancroft, guests start the night by opening their own bottle using this historic method, earning themselves the title of Sabreur of the Confrerie. For those who already hold this prestigious title, you may wish to progress to an Officer and perfect the art of Sabrage of a Magnum of Champagne.

Book Now

Online booking closes 24 hours before the event. Please call 01254 240555 for late availability.
Note: tables are shared to enjoy the evening with our hosts, or you can reserve a table for 6 or 8.
Full payment required at time of booking.