Founded by Mark Gurney and Matt Bushnell, best known for their Peckham restaurant Levan, Cassette marks the pair’s first central London venture, with the duo putting down roots on Maiden Lane in Covent Garden. Head chef Essa Fakhry leads the kitchen, bringing French bistronomy and an expertly curated wine list to Covent Garden.
The bistro and wine bar preserves its Victorian Gothic architecture with ornate original windows which allow plenty of natural light. Designed by Gundry and Ducker, the dining room features a statement curtain and wooden floor and furnishings. During service, vintage speakers showcase the best of Gurney’s music knowledge, drawing on his work DJing around London and beyond.
The drinks menu provides diners with the opportunity to expand their wine knowledge. Based on the same considerations seen in the highly praised wine list at Levan, the selection at Cassette introduces diners to notable regions, leading winemakers and outstanding producers. Alongside a creative cocktail menu, Cassette also spotlights the French spirit Calvados with a selection of Calvados-based cocktail creations.
For food, the Cassette menu is entirely French, incorporating classical techniques with consistently great produce. Designed in conversation with the seasons, the a la carte menu includes mains such as coq au vin jaune pie for two; cep and smoked egg yolk vol-au-vent with sauce Parisienne; and sea trout served with fennel and sauce au petit-lait. The dessert menu also references classic French cooking with dishes including a black fig clafoutis with vanilla ice cream for sharing.
Creative blackboard specials are also available, and on Sundays, guests can expect moules or steak frites served all day.