La Brasserie
Above: La Brasserie
I was fresh off the ferry from France when I visited La Brasserie in South Ken. Well, I say fresh from the ferry, and that was the intention before the drivers decided it was time for another bout of industrial action, went on strike and turned my two hour journey into a three hour queue and an unexpected trip on the Eurotunnel. So needless to say, I was not feeling particularly inclined to spend any more time immersing myself in the continental culture. It is lucky then, that La Brasserie really highlights everything that is good about France – excellent food, superb wine and a feeling of superiority that you cannot fail to embrace.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu holds few surprises but offers exactly what you would expect from a top-class Parisian brasserie – soupe de poisson, moules marinieres, confit de canard…you can imagine the rest, but there’s also the odd indulgence which reminds you that Chanel is only next door and royal-hangout Boujis round the corner – langoustine and truffle ravioli with fois gras sauce was one such exquisite example. Oysters (for those braver than me) are another.
I was reliably informed from a source who shall remain un-named that a loyal troupe of well-known faces (though I shant mention who, for fear of losing my newly-acquired air of French-chic) enjoy the odd dinner at La Brasserie and I wouldn’t be surprised – it seems that nothing would ruffle the feathers of our waiters, who dutifully man the tables with an experienced air and appear to have been with the restaurant since its opening 35 years ago.
It’s funny that something so un-British has become such an important local institution, but it is clear that nearby residents and faithful fans would certainly be lost without it, and are very much enjoying its 30th anniversary ‘spruce-up’ – it was fully booked on a Wednesday night, with hopeful souls still lingering at the door… smug? moi?...non monsieur.
Vicky Smith
Dinner for two with wine, £80
Two-course set menu, £17.50
La Brasserie, 272 Brompton Road SW3; 020 7581 3089
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