(15/6/12 updated with opening date & soft launch info)
Things are hotting up with Corbin and King's (The Wolseley, Delaunay) next spot, Brasserie Zedel which opens just off Piccadilly this summer. They've just appointed a General Manager and Head Chef to show they mean business.
Looking after the front of house is the marvellously-named Olivier Lavigne du Cadet. He ought to know a thing or two about managing large restaurants, having La Coupole, back when it was the largest restaurant in Paris with 400 seats, on his CV. More recently he's owned My Dining Room on Fulham Broadway and was responsible for opening Bluebird and Daylesford Organic's spot on Westbourne Grove.
Frenchman David Collard, from Reims in Champagne, will be Head Chef. He's worked with everyone from Joel Robuchon to Michael Caines, Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay. More recently he was Head Chef at the now-closed Cafe Luc in Marylebone.
Brasserie Zedel, which seats 240, will be a seven days, right through the day place and, if you can credit it, will apparently offer "great value, classic brasserie fare at remarkably low prices". That means main course from just £7.50. The menu will include Terrine de Campagne, Salade Périgourdine, oeufs Mayonnaise, Choucroute de la Mer, Bœuf en Daube and for dessert Ile Flottante andBaba au Rhum avec Crème Chantilly. The wine list will be exclusively French with all nonreserve wines available by the glass and pichet. And - a first for any Corbin and King restaurant - a large proportion of the room will be no-reservations.
There's no doubt it's going to look amazing. The interiors are according to Architecture Today "the best and most authentic series of 1930s interiors in this country". They were taken apart when the building was rebuilt and then replaced part by part like a puzzle before having the attentions of designer David Collins lavished upon them.
The huge space will also feature a Bar Américain - a classic cocktail bar open most nights until midnight and serving up a small snack menu. There'll also be, a live music venue called The Crazy Coqs and The Zinc Café - which will be a street-level café and wine bar.
Brasserie Zedel will open on June 25 at 20 Sherwood Street, off Piccadilly Circus, London W1F 7ED. There will be a soft launch with 25% off menu prices from Friday 22 - Sunday 24 June.
To book call 020 7734 4888, book online at www.brasseriezedel.com or email reservations@brasseriezedel.com.
