Brixton property is bubbling up as champagne bar opens

Brixton is to get its first champagne bar in the latest upmarket opening in the area.

The arrival of Champagne + Fromage on October 15 comes after estate agent Foxtons opened a branch in the area, which is also due to get a Waitrose.

The latest openings have fuelled fears that rents could rise, forcing long-established independent traders out of Brixton.

However, Saja Shaheen — whose family own Nour Cash & Carry in Market Row and won a battle to stay open after facing a 22 per cent rent rise — welcomed Champagne + Fromage.

She said: “Brixton has changed so much over the past few years, but it wouldn’t be the Brixton it is now without the new places and I like that. It’s not like this is a Starbucks or a Leon opening. These are just independent people trying to build on the Brixton we have. Good luck to them.”

It will be the second branch of the bar, bistro and deli. The original is in Covent Garden.

Owner Stefano Frigerio said: “I love Brixton Village because it is a very exciting, special place in London, with traditional shops where you can try things from all over the world. From a business point of view, it’s a trendy, booming market with small restaurants like us that are trying to do new things.”

As well as a bistro serving 40 covers, the premises will have a shop with fresh artisanal products from France.

Mr Frigerio added: “Although champagne is seen as only for the wealthy, small producers are passionate about quality and are less expensive because they don’t pay for global marketing.”

The bistro will sell glasses of champagne for £8 to £12, with bottles available to take away from £25.