Manchester saw the launch of Portfolio yesterday, a ‘champagne boutique’ built around a collection of more than 250 champagnes, including rare grower bottles and vintage prestige cuvées.
The venue aims to introduce a new approach to champagne, positioning the category for broader, everyday use alongside specialist tastings and trade events.
Portfolio is the work of Julian Pizer, formerly of Another Hand and Edinburgh Castle, and Cameron Foster, founder of Deux Six, an importer specialising in grower champagnes.
The leadership team includes Wayne Baxendale as food and beverage director, whose career spans Michelin-starred restaurants and international hospitality, and Nikolai Kuklenko as general manager, previously head sommelier at Mana.
The space includes a 100-bottle champagne wall for browsing and retail, and ten champagnes will be offered by the glass, with grower options starting at £12.50.
Small plates will become part of the offering from February.
Portfolio is located at 67 Bridge Street, Manchester.