I LOVE a decent decent glass of fizz.

So, as you can imagine, I was delighted to receive an invitation to the relaunch of Brighton’s newest and largest champagne bar and restaurant, Grow 40.

The restaurant is at the end of Kensington Gardens, in the vibrant North Laine.

It boasts a roof garden, a carefully curated collection of more than 150 champagnes and an extensive new menu.

The building made a great first impression, instantly transporting me to the streets of gay Paris.

A matt black finish is embellished with stylish gold lettering and ornate lamps, reminiscent of an upmarket French bistro.

Large, street facing windows allow for an uninterrupted view of the chic interior.

The roof garden is visible from the street below, providing an oasis of calm above the hustle and bustle.

There is also further al fresco seating at ground level, giving ample opportunity to people watch while enjoying a drink or two.

Upon my arrival, a smartly dressed waiter presented me with a flute of champagne.

The fizz in question was Chateau de Boursault, exceptionally easy to drink, and full flavoured with a ‘biscuity’ undertone. I discovered that many well-regarded establishments favour this as their house champagne due to its elegance and consistency.

At £9 per glass, or £49 for a bottle, the de Boursault is the lowest priced champagne on the menu at Grow 40.

The interior is stunning – a successful fusion of old school French glamour with a contemporary finish.

Rich, dark green paint boldly covers the walls, with a scattering of vintage wall mirrors to soften the effect.

The juxtaposition of trendy, brass hanging lights bring the look together, giving it an edgier feel.

The tables are wooden, roomy and perfectly dressed. Each one allowing a view back out onto the street (for more people watching).

I immediately noticed the well-stocked bar.

Row upon row of immaculate bottles of champagne, bearing names I’d seldom heard of – in conjunction with an equally impressive display of wine. The front of the bar is made from hundreds of champagne and wine corks, making for an interesting talking point.

Overall, I think it is an extremely well-considered and elegant space, that balances comfort with style.

A delicious succession of canapes were delivered on silver platters throughout the course of the evening.

Among my favourites were; the truffle, bacon and parmesan popcorn, served in its own delicate paper cone.

The oysters with shallot, vinegar and horseradish, served on a bed of ice, were a triumph.

The texture was on a par with a scallop, with no hint of sliminess, and a zingy kick of horseradish at the end.

My absolute favourite bite was the foie gras macaroon, an innovative and delicious amuse bouche.

The sweetness of the delicate,crisp macaroon offset the rich, buttery flavour of the foie gras to perfection

All the food on offer that evening is available on the menu.

Each dish certainly showcased the impressive talents of food director Phil Bartley.

Deciding it was time to visit the roof garden, I headed upstairs, glass in hand, for a quick peek.

The decked area is covered in an eclectic mixture of comfortable seating and is large enough to accommodate at least 20 people.

The unique selling point for me was the spectacular view of the rooftops and street below.

The area is accessible on sunny days, between the hours of 12 and 9pm.

It is a truly lovely hideaway, where you can while away the hours with friends and fizz.

This charming establishment is the epitome of style and class, while also offering an unpretentious experience.

My magnanimous host for the evening, proprietor Steve Pineau, prides himself on offering a personal service to all who visit.

His staff are also consummately professional – extremely welcoming, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the menu.

There’s a price to suit different budgets, starting at £49, going up to thousands. For those who don’t want champagne, (perish the thought) there’s also prosecco and wine available.

I got the distinct impression that every customer is important, regardless of how much they spend.

Business partner and chef Phil Bartley is incredibly passionate about food and is looking forward to the launch of a brand-new menu at the end of the month.

As from the last weekend of June, customers will be able to enjoy a tasting menu, with a pairing of either wine or champagne.

I highly recommend Grow 40, having instantly fallen in love with this enchanting, French inspired restaurant.

You can expect to receive excellent service and glorious food and drinks in sumptuous surroundings.

It’s one of those places you’d like to keep secret from the masses.

An escape in the wilderness of burger bars and pizza places, that’s guaranteed to be a new firm favourite in the city.