13/7/20 - updated with more opening details.
What: Maison Francois
In a nutshell: French brasserie in St James
Summing it all up: Taking the former address of Greens, Maison Francois will be a brasserie and wine bar, featuring a finalist of Masterchef: The Professionals as chef.
The low-down
Simon Parker Bowles' Greens restaurant Greens in St James closed in 2016, but while we're still waiting for the promised reappearance elsewhere, a new restaurant is appearing in its place.
The chap behind it, François O’Neill, certainly has roots in the industry - his dad co-founded Brasserie St. Quentin in the 80s. He's teamed up with Ed Wyand, who you may remember was part of the team that brought us the Hackney wine bar Verden, and chef Matthew Ryle. Ryle trained at The Dorchester, then became head chef at Isabel in Mayfair - he also reached the final of Masterchef: The Professionals in 2018.
The all-day spot will open with bread and patisserie made in house. At lunch and dinner, they'll be shucking Loch Ryan oysters, terrines and charcuterie. A big focus is on sourcing the best quality produce from across the country.
If you're after classic brasserie dishes, then this will be just the place for you. On the menu will be:
- Reblochon gougères and jambon noir de Biggore, céleri rémoulade
- Ravioli dauphine with Comté and black pepper.
- Wood-fired grilled dishes including poulet rôti, frites and fillet of John Dory.
- Veg dishes including ratatouille with pistou and seasonal roast cabbage with anchoïade.
They'll go properly old school for dessert with a dessert trolley showcasing delights like Paris-Brests and fruit tarts.
Downstairs will be a separate wine bar, Frank's. It'll have its own chef serving up pâté en croûte and plates of charcuterie. And with more than 250 bottles on the wine list, you ought to be able to find something you like - alongside sherry poured fro the cask. There's also going to be a private glass-fronted wine room that can be hired for up to 16.
More about Maison Francois
Where is it? 36 Duke Street, St James's, St. James's, London SW1Y 6DF
When does it open? 14 September 2020
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @maisonfrancoislondon.
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