L'Escargot - Soho London

Location No.08

London to France 1927

Welcome to London’s oldest French restaurant, located in Greek St. since 1927. The famous L'Escargot in Soho is the most elegant traditional French restaurant with a contemporary arty flair, some of London's finest cuisine.

A place loved and visited by the famous, from the likes of Coco Chanel and Elton John, indulge in the finest of French cuisines and take a step into divine flavours enhancing your senses. The stunning Georgian London townhouse from 1741, a private property of The Duke of Portland is full of character and charm.

As I walked down the busy streets of Soho, on a cool Spring evening, amongst London’s slightly chaotic evening buzz, I approached the well-presented famous restaurant, so excited to experience the evening ahead.

Looking into the restaurant from the cold temperature outside, as guests enjoyed warming foods inside, the restaurant's warm fuzzy glow from the atmospheric lights, only made it look even more appealing. I also noticed the neon writing written vertically up the wall, lighting up as the sky started to darken.

The restaurant holds incredible history, dating back to when M.Gaudin set up a restaurant in 1896 further down Greek. St, called Le Bienvenue, famously known for his snails and great delicacy. Moving to the larger property a few doors down in 1927 and after renaming to L'Escargot after his most popular dish, the restaurant has been famous ever since.

Stepping up the mosaic tiled steps, I noticed the impressive black and white tiled snail, so creatively designed right at the entrance. I then entered a long corridor, filled with oil paintings of beautiful bright bold colours to be greeted by the host who took my coat and bags, before entering further.

The bar is the first thing you see when you walk through, with its strikingly beautifully classic design. Brightly lit behind the rows of glasses and bottles. The restaurant is in two main parts, a small section by the window, and a larger section tucked around near the back. The room was full of loud chatter, laughs and a buzz of excitement.

Smartly dressed waiters with bow ties swiftly moved around the restaurant serving glasses of champagne to guests.

The restaurant is a perfectly balanced contrast of tradition and contemporary interior. From traditional chandeliers, white tablecloths and red velvet chairs to contemporary styled elements of vibrant oil painting which hang around the bright yellow walls, green pot plants and upbeat music. The interior is creative, completely unafraid to stand out and be unique, which makes it even more memorable.

Of course, I had to order the classic French Onion Soup, one of the most classic staples in the world of French cuisine. I was astonished with the flavours of the dish, so perfectly warming for a cool evening in spring. A fantastic representation of superb historical culinary skills, taking me back in time with every mouthful. The gooey cheese and marmity flavours were just outstanding without being overpowering.

My next course was equally excellent, I ordered the poached salmon with white asparagus and chive beurre blanc. Probably one of the nicest salmon dishes I’ve ever have, delicately cooked with its melt in the mouth texture and silky buttery finish. The al dente asparagus added a slight crunch with it’s ever so fresh, naturally sweet taste. The dish was incredibly light, elegant and perfectly well balanced.

The restaurant was busy for a Wednesday in April, and I could clearly see why. L’Escargo even has its own ‘Snail Club’ a private members club and exclusive retreat, a place where members can enjoy a “slower pace of life”, to relax and connect with likeminded individuals, over great food, wine and intellectual conversations.

Today the head chef is James Tyrrell, who joined after training at the world famous Claridge's Hotel and at Langan’s Brasserie a Michelin starred restaurant in Mayfair.

The dessert menu was a good representation of some of the best French desserts adored around the world. From French cheeses to egg custard tarts and Grand Marnier souffles. I found it all most impossible to choose from what was on offer. I ordered the Madeleines and to my delight they were outstanding. These freshly baked warm zesty bites with a caramelised crispy outside and soft fluffy inside with bright fresh sweet orange aromas were divine.

After the dinner I was kindly shown around the rest of the townhouse on a private tour of the property by the restaurant manager, viewing the many private dining rooms, function rooms and cocktail bar that was upstairs.

The rooms vary in size and style, including The Blue Dining Room with its sophisticated dark blue interiors and dark blue velvet armchairs holding around 10 for small dinners, to the vibrant green large dining room with massive mirrors, intricate detailed ceiling and views out onto the busy streets of Soho holding up to 35 guests.

The Red Room is a tiny private room, filled with books and low lighting, making it the perfect place for intimate gatherings. The townhouse has winding staircases all around the property from room to room, full of stunning art pieces throughout.

L'Escargot is a wonderful place to visit with outstanding cuisine, traditional French cooking and lovely ambience, filled with history and character that you will certainly remember.

48 GREEK ST.

LONDON.

W1D 4EF

ENGLAND