With his Brasserie Blanc restaurants, Raymond Blanc’s aim has always been to offer a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy simple, good (and good value) French food; all this inspired by his mother, Maman Blanc, back home in his native Besançon. Luckily for hungry Francophiles, there are seven of these fantastic eateries in our capital. The decor at all seven locations is very ‘French brasserie’ without being kitsch; large dripping candelabra, paintings based on Maman Blanc’s recipes and traditionally clad staff in black leather aprons. This is a place where you needn’t worry about using the wrong fork with the salad.
The à la carte changes with every season and is studded with beautifully cooked Raymond Blanc versions of classics. Start with butter-sizzling Burgundian snails or a cheesy soufflé, followed by moules marinières and chips or boeuf Bourguignon, or choose from the selection of free-range Cornish beef steaks. The flaming baked Alaska to share tops things off. There is also the jaw-droppingly good-value Raymond Blanc Lunch and pre-theatre two-course set menu available from noon until 7pm for £14 (please check as times vary slightly). Most of the London brasseries have fabulous private dining spaces catering for sit-down dinners, canapé receptions and meetings – there is normally no hire charge to use these spaces. The staff add a welcoming warmth to the authentically French experience.
