I recently tried out Kettners for breakfast and you can read the review here.
Below is the official press release:
The landmark restaurant, originally founded in 1867 by Auguste Kettner, chef to Napoleon III, became infamous in its day as the rendezvous place of choice for former regulars, including: Oscar Wilde, King Edward VII and mistress Lillie Langtry, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby.
A legendary part of bohemian Soho’s history, Kettner’s new look is actually much closer to its history but with a bright, fresh feel. Near most West End theatres, famous for its incredible champagne offering and renowned for its buzzing, convivial atmosphere, the restaurant suits all occasions and budgets.
Kettner’s celebrated Champagne Bar is still a central part of the venue. Its house list now features ‘one small producer’, ‘one iconic Champagne’ and ‘something from England’ by the glass. It is joined by a new Pudding Bar, a space for breakfast, tea, or late night treats. The grand main dining room has been converted into an all-day brasserie with a versatile menu of simple fresh French dishes with a quirky English twist.
The new brasserie menu takes its inspiration from Auguste Kettner’s own ‘Book of the Table’, a comprehensive cookery manual published in 1877. The menu’s tart selection, for example, is heavily influenced by this book. The pastry base of tarts, as it notes, was first used as a plate in medieval France. Today, Kettner’s offers a leek and Gruyère tart (£7), a spinach and parmesan one (£7) and a Provençal roast peppers and anchovy tart (£7).
There is also a delicious array of hors d’oeuvres – with many available in both snack and more substantial sizes. These include: monkfish ceviche, peas shoots and pickled cucumber (£8 /£13); and tuna carpaccio, lime and coriander (£8/£13).
Luxurious seafood dishes, like lobster shepherd’s pie (£23) and diver-caught scallops witih Champagne risotto (£12/£20) are perfect for the ultimate romantic meal. Lighter bites, like fresh crab on sourdough toast (£8 /£14), are available for those who don’t want a full three-course meal.
Meat lovers can indulge in: pork belly, calvados caramel apples and wilted greens (£13); and a traditional braised beef Bourguignon (£16). The fricassée of rabbit with morels and papadelle (£14) is based on a recipe from the ‘Book of the Table’ – which describes rabbit as ‘delicate and easily digested’. Some side dishes, like the Kettner’s Carrots, are also based on dishes from the 19th century gastronomic tome.
The Pudding Bar has an extensive menu of puddings, cakes, tarts and biscuits – perfect for a light nibble or an indulgent spread. They’re all freshly made by Kettner’s pastry chefs. As well as such treats as rose and raspberry macaroons (£4), Champagne jelly with black cherries (£7), thin apple tart (£6), doughnuts with spiced chocolate, crème patissière and strawberry compote (£7) and opera cake (£5) there are also daily specials at £6. Teas to accompany the pudding menus are by Kusmi’s Teas, the tea company founded in Russia by P.M. Kousmichoff in 1867, the year of Kettner’s launch.
With its location between bustling Old Compton Street and Shaftesbury Avenue on Romilly Street, the new look Kettner’s is a terrific town centre location for lunches, dinners, parties, breakfast meetings, presentations, launches and screenings. The two upper floors have been carefully restored, retaining the original ‘cabinets particuliers’ for whichKettner’s is well known, and offering a host of private dining room and party options including the club-like space ‘The Apartment’ plus an entire floor for parties. The Champagne Bar also has bookable ‘nooks’ for smaller groups.
The space has had a very sympathetic makeover in keeping with the venue’s long history. Though the faded red carpets and pink velvet curtains have been consigned toKettner’s archives, the new look retains the dining room’s sense of occasion with its white bentwood chairs and elegant marble-topped tables. By night, it positively sparkles as hundreds of candles and vintage candelabras are lit throughout. In the 1970s and 80s, much of the original interior was covered up or removed; Kettner’s new incarnation takes the building, consisting of four Georgian houses, back closer to how it would have been in the past.
Kettner’s is open seven days a week, from 8am to 1am Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 11.30pm on Sundays. Breakfast is served until 11.30am daily.
Kettner’s Restaurant and Bar, 29 Romilly Street, Soho, London, W1D 5HP, 020 7734 6112, kettners.com
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