Any fan of the classic combo of hot dogs and champagne will know that Bubbledogs has been around for over six years. It began as a gourmet hot dog joint that also served sparkling wine by small producers, but now the concept has flipped to make it a fizz-forward bar with a side of sausage.
The makeover sees tall counters out in favour of low marble tables with pouffe seats the yellow of Veuve Clicquot. And the bare brick walls so associated with the decade just past have been painted purple, a neon sign casting a glow across them.
An all-male fleet were pouring when we visited, one of them with a cross-body bag like he was dealing at a festival. It all eschews the starchy champagne bar formula, with a pop soundtrack cementing the vibe.
Prices by the glass aren’t as earth-shattering as you might expect (£7-£12). There’s a catch: one of these five sparkling wines – the cheapest on the menu – is (*deep breath*) not a champagne. If you’re the kind of person who likes to match your bubbly with fast food, you probably won’t mind the rule-breaking. And for the purists (and ballers), the by-the-bottle menu is clear as well as comprehensive.
Hot dogs (also from £7) are devilish, including one slathered in mac and cheese that somehow isn’t disgusting. The fizz cuts through it all like a hot knife through butter. Order tater tots draped in a web of comté for further proof that French-American relations are ticking along rather nicely here.