Michelin Star Launches 'Water Menu' - Ridiculous or the Next Big Thing?
Sep 09, 2025
On August 22, 2025, La Popote, a Michelin Guide listed French fine-dining restaurant in Cheshire became the first UK restaurant to introduce a dedicated water menu, inviting diners to taste water like fine wine. This ‘water sommelier’ concept may sound absurd at first - but could it herald a new era in non-alcoholic premium experiences?
The menu of seven premium water choices delivers distinct mineral notes, mouthfeel, and pairing potential to elevate the dining experience ranging from £5 to £19 per bottle including The Palace of Vidago from Portugal at £19 and Crag Spring Water at £5.
The Brains Behind The Menu?
Curated by Doran Binder, one of the only five UK water sommeliers, alongside co-owner and head chef Joseph Rawlins. The waters are served in wine glasses to evoke the formal tasting ritual of wine service.
Is It Ridiculous—or the Next Big Thing?
For us, the jury is still out. Until we try the menu and experience it in the way it has been curated, we can't make an informed judgement.
Initially, my thoughts are water can't elevate the dining experience and replicate the ritual of a premium, well-thought out alcohol-free cocktail, drink or wine. However, four years ago, many didn't see the point of a drink that was alcohol-free. That perception has changed so significantly that many opt for an alcohol-free drink when out and restaurants and bars are having to carefully curate their alcohol-free menus to accommodate demand.
Will water menus go the same way? Perhaps. Let's see. I think it will be a while before this is fully adopted however..
There has been a lot of public scrutiny around the menu including one commenter saying "What sort of idiot is going to pay £19 for a bottle of water" while another branded it "manipulation of the brainless wealthy". We however, think trying and testing new ways to accommodate changing consumer demands is interesting and forward thinking. No-one else is doing it so it certainly puts them in the spotlight which I think is great!The Financial Express..
Have you come across a water menu? What did you think?
