Brasserie Chavot (pictured) exudes an air of Gallic sophistication from the get-go, writes Colette Doyle. The dark wooden panelling, subdued lighting supplied by an array of crystal chandeliers and the leather upholstered seating are all perfectly in keeping with its swanky Mayfair location as part of The Westbury hotel.
My dining companion and I start off with smoked eel with bacon and quail eggs that comes with compliments of the chef. I savour the baconโs crispy deliciousness and my guest pronounces the eel a more pleasant taste than expected, thanks in part to the creamy horseradish sauce.
As a starter I opt for chicken liver parfait, presented on a wooden board alongside prune and fig chutney, while my plus-one chooses a citrus-flavoured ceviche of scallops. Mains are sea bass served with ratatouille niรงoise and succulent tiger prawns that come with a velvety harissa dressing that packs just the right amount of heat.
When it comes to side dishes we ditch the carbs and order one portion of green beans and one of chickpeas. Liberally doused in garlic, who knew the humble green bean could taste this good? The chickpeas, meanwhile, come with slivers of smoky chorizo.
On the dessert menu I spy a long-time favourite of mine, Rum Baba, which is moist and moreish, accompanied by light-as-air whipped Chantilly cream. My escort opts for a luscious chocolate pot.
Next time you feel like indulging in a truly authentic meal ร la Franรงaise, save yourself the fare on Eurostar and head on down to this stylish Mayfair outpost.
41 Conduit Street, London W1S 2YF; 020 7183 6425; brasseriechavot.com
Pantry at 108
If youโre looking for something off the beaten track, Pantry at 108, located at The Marylebone Hotel, offers a quintessential English setting, writes Molly Dyson.
The fresh interior design, with its light grey and white walls, wooden floors and plush red sofas, immediately puts me in the mood for the healthy, gluten-free afternoon tea weโre about to have. Weโre lucky enough to be sat in a window seat, so are treated to a dose of sunshine while we sip a glass of sparkling rosรฉ wine.
Our waiter approaches with a tray full of loose-leaf tea and explains each one in detail, including where they come from and the flavours they yield. I choose hibiscus, which comes out of the pot as a vibrant pink colour and is delectably sweet, while my dining companion goes with a lemon tea.
Next, weโre given a selection of finger sandwiches โ cream cheese and cucumber, smoked salmon, ham and egg and cress, all on some of the best gluten-free bread Iโve ever tasted. Weโre both pleasantly surprised by the superfood side salad, a small helping of bulgur wheat, pomegranate and broccoli on a single lettuce leaf.
Our cakes are the last to arrive and we take our time getting through the bountiful selection. The raisin scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve are as delightfully fluffy as I hoped they would be. Weโve also got a tasty champagne jelly with fresh fruit, plus zesty lemon and ginger and chocolate cakes.
As well as afternoon tea, Pantry at 108 offers a private dining option and can put together take-away lunches for offices and groups.
The Marylebone Hotel, 108 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QE; 020 7969 3900; 108marylebonelane.com
