The Confrérie du Sabre d’Or is a global society dedicated to the enjoyment of Champagne, and the art of sabrage—opening Champagne bottles with sabres.
From the invention of the art of sabrage by the Hussars in the nineteenth century, to the foundation of the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or and the establishment of its Embassies around the world, learn more about who we are and what we do.
Next event: Autumn Gala Ball (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Friday 17th October)
We are a diverse and welcoming membership organisation with a full calendar of varied social events.
Become a member, get discounted pre-sale tickets to our events, and begin your journey through our ranks, opening larger bottles and wearing more elaborate regalia as you go!
We organise events of all scales, to suit all budgets—so whether you’re interested in a casual Champagne tasting in a countryside pub or a banquet in a Livery Hall, we’ve got something for you!
Bring sabrage to your party or venue!
Our licensed, insured sabrage instructors (Maîtres-Sabreurs) will add an unforgettable sparkle to your wedding, party, corporate event, or any other function you can think of.
Join our network of affiliated venues (called Caveaux de sabrage), which include luxury hotels, wine bars, and private members’ Clubs, and bring the gift of sabrage instruction to your own customers.
Meet the Council
Like all Embassies of the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or, the UK & Ireland Embassy is run by an Ambassadeur, assisted by a Council of officials.
Justin Rhodes
Ambassadeur
Ajay Nehra
Chancelier & Maître des Caveaux
Sam Rhodes
Maître Argentier
Christopher Noon
Maître de la Communication
Jo Amand
Maître du Protocole
Medina Williamson
Maître des Festivités
Dawn O’Shea
Secrétaire-Général
We also rely on the assistance of our two former Ambassadeurs, and our dedicated social media team.
Julian White
Ambassadeur Emeritus Mondiale
Gerard O’Shea
Ambassadeur Emeritus
Emily & Tom Woodward
Social Media
FAQs
Is sabrage safe?
Absolutely! We train and license our sabrage instructors (Maîtres-Sabreurs) to ensure your sabrage experience is as safe as it is memorable. We perform a full risk assessment at every venue, and are covered by a public liability insurance policy.
Who can join the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or?
We are proud of our large, welcoming membership, include people of all backgrounds, genders, and (legal drinking) ages. We are united by our love of Champagne, sabrage, and unique social events, so if this sounds like fun to you, why not come to an event and see for yourself?
Do you organise events outside the UK & Ireland?
The Confrérie du Sabre d’Or has Embassies in thirty countries around the world. This is the website for the UK & Ireland Embassy, so you’re in the right place if you want to learn more about our presence and events around the British Isles; if you’d like to learn about our governing organisation in France (Le Grand Conseil), or Embassies in other countries, click here.
Can I perform sabrage without becoming a member?
You can indeed! If you have not previously performed sabrage at a Confrérie du Sabre d’Or event, we will gladly instruct you, dub you a Novice Sabreur/Sabreuse in the French ceremony of Intronisation, and present you with certificates, a golden pin badge with our logo (bottle and crossed sabres), and a velvet bag containing the cork you detached. If you want to perform sabrage at subsequent events, we ask you to become a member and apply for promotion to Chevalier, the first of our Commissioned ranks.
Still got questions?
We are very friendly, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to learn more about us.
