Champagne Charlie at The Langham, London

1865 -- Change of Day
at The Langham, London

It is a tradition in all Langham Hotels worldwide to celebrate the 'Change of Day' at 19:05 hrs (a nod to the hotel's original opening in the year 1865). The busy business day is over and the pleasure of the evening begins.

Here in the Palm Court, we are celebrating the 'Change of Day' with Champagne Charlie - the character from a music hall song of the period. The performer (a waiter) dresses up in top hat and tails with a glass of champagne in one hand and encourages the clientele to have a good time and enjoy a glass of champagne. Champagne Charlie was also the nickname of champagne merchant Charles Heidsieck.

Every evening, when the time reaches 19:05 hrs, the pianist (when given a cue) starts playing the chorus of the song (boldly and in a music hall fashion) and Champagne Charlie makes his appearance. As he greets guests, the staff serve champagne and canapés to the them. Champagne Charlie brings his glass of champagne over to the pianist when he has finished going round all the guests which is the cue for the song to end.

CREDITS

Champagne Charlie played by Dávid Rácz

Music performed by the John Watson Trio

Music composed by Alfred Lee

Original lyrics by George Leybourne
Revised lyrics by Ernest Young & Frank Eyton

Recorded on Saturday 19th February 2011 in the
Palm Court -- The Langham, London

www.palm-court.co.uk

www.johnpianoman.co.uk

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• John Watson
• pianist
• John Watson Trio
• Palm Court
• Langham
• London
• Champagne Charlie