Two new Parisian-inspired restaurants opened in London this week, confirming that our longest-lasting gastronomic love affair is also this year’s hottest hospitality trend.
First out of the blocks on Tuesday was 74 Duke in Mayfair, from the team behind Supernova, with a brasserie menu including the likes of Terrine de foie gras à la Chartreuse; Carpaccio daurade royale & caviar rouge; Chargrilled chicken, tarragon & Dijon sauce; Spicy harissa spaghetti, charred merguez; and a house burger using prime cuts of Wagyu beef with American cheese, Dijonnaise.
Two days later, French Society opened in Mill Lane, West Hampstead, from the team behind Patron in Kentish Town (and Finsbury Park, which closed last year). They are pitching it as “a petite sœur bistro that draws inspiration from its predecessor while embracing a new unique direction”.
Dishes include: Escargots en cocottes; Hand-cut steak tartare; Confit tomato tarte tatin;
Monkfish Brittany fish stew, saffron rouille; and Longhorn onglet steak with Café de Paris butter.
Classic French brasserie and bistro cuisine has roared back into favour over the past year or so, with openings including Claude Bosi’s two Josephines, Marcelline in Canary Wharf, Café François in Borough Market and Bouchon Racine among many others.
