If you're looking for the perfect little place to host a special dinner for friends, family or colleagues, Blanchette is an immediate go-to. Set within the winding warren that is Soho, Blanchette effortlessly blends in with the surrounding bars and restaurants, exuding that 'if you know, you know' vibe.
The concept is borne from the three brothers who co-own the restaurant and between them have racked up experience in hospitality that spans London, New York and Paris, where from their family hails and part inspiration for the restaurant. Indeed, with its bistro seating and a menu of French classics, Blanchette is designed to represent a London take on a classic Parisian restaurant, with a personal touch - as it's named after their mother.
Inside, the main restaurant is a beautiful assortment of textures and tales with each ornament seeming to tell a story. The exposed brick walls juxtaposed with large, gold-framed oil paintings, while trailing plants bring a boho feel and vintage items nod to a cabinet of curiosities, for an all over eclectic aesthetic. However, if planning your own shindig, the team invites you to take over the Jungle Room, the in-house dedicated space for parties.
The space features a large, central table which can fit 14 people and a striking, hand-painted wall mural which depicts a rainforest scene. Along the other side, you'll find a vintage-style cabinet and atmospheric lighting comes courtesy of a low-hanging chandelier.
In terms of the menu, why not start with a selection of snacks for the group such as pork rillettes with pickles and mustard mayo, or baked St marcellin with truffle honey. For mains, we like the sound of the roasted pollock with chicory gratin, hazelnuts, grape sauce and parsley garlic butter, as well as braised beef cheek with butternut squash, sage and red wine jus.