Villandry St James's closed permanently on 9 August 2018
With Villandry on Great Portland Street already under his belt, owner Phillipe Le Roux has launched a second flagship venue overlooking Waterloo Place – one of the historic, listed properties in St James’s being restored by the Crown Estate as part of their Grand Restaurant project. The new outlet specialises in pan-European food with lots of French, Italian and Spanish influences, but a strong commitment to organic and seasonal produce: girolles on sourdough toast, moules-frites, duck confit and grilled sea bass with artichokes, broad beans and olives are the kind of dishes to expect, alongside charcuterie platters and desserts such as lemon tart. Spread over several areas, this “beautiful” eatery comprises a formal raised dining room and a casual Viennese-style café for breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and “excellent coffee and cake”, plus a mezzanine bar and two private rooms.