London, Brasserie Blanc Southbank

Brasserie Blanc Southbank

Back in January, I spent a day in Oxford with some friends.  We walked around, took some photos, chatted and drank a few glasses of wine. Our last stop was Brasserie Blanc in Oxford, before heading back to London. I wasn’t expecting much but in fact, it was a real treat.

Fast forward, I was jubilant to be invited to review the new refurbished Southwark branch in London. Last week I headed over there for a very pleasant dinner. I arrived a bit earlier than my companion, so I ordered a cocktail at their bar. I love the decor, the muted heritage colours on the walls and the natural materials of wooden furniture that gives an aged, worn look. It feels very comfortable and welcoming ambience. The perfect place to relax after a stroll around the area or after a show on the Southbank.

Brasserie Blanc is a chain, but it doesn’t feel like one. In case, you wondered it is headed by Raymond Blanc. It has a strip down and casual feel to it.  In both venues, the service was exceptional.  The food, well, the clean plates spoke for themselves.  The menu is seasonal and offers simple, hearty French cooking.

The dinner at Brasserie Blanc Southbank

We started with the anchovy appetiser, which comes two bowls of anchovies in oil, anchovy butter and three half slices of sourdough bread to share.  I love the anchovy butter; we couldn’t get enough of it. I wish there were more sourdough served with this starter.

anchovy appetiser

Next, came the house speciality the cheese souffle with mature Cheddar sauce, it was light and tasty, I can see why is so popular!  The chilli and ginger squid was delicious with the right amount of kick. The squid was perfectly grilled.

cheese souffle with mature Cheddar sauce

 

chilli and ginger squid

For mains, we had, Boeuf  Bourguignon, a delicious stew prepared with beef braised in red Burgundy,  beef broth, lardons, garlic, and a bouquet garni, with pearl onions and mushrooms added towards the end of cooking it was served with a very smooth mash. It hit the right spot!

Boeuf  Bourguignon,

 

lamb cutlets with Morrocan vegetables

The juicy lamb cutlets with Morrocan vegetables, yellow split peas, toasted almond & apricot couscous was another winner dish.
The portions are very generous at Brasserie Blanc.

Dessert was a show stopper!  We decided to share a Baked Alaska
flambéed with Cointreau and more Cointreau to pour over the individual plates.  Perfect almost ending to our meal. This dessert encompass everything sweet I love:  meringue, ice cream and alcohol!

Baked Alaska

Finally, we finished with fresh mint tea!

Tip: don’t eat before you go to Brasserie Blanc.  The portions are plentiful and delectable; it’s sacrilege not to finish eating all courses.

They offer a small menu that can be made dairy and/or  gluten-free

Brasserie Blanc is an all-day eatery, so pop down any time for coffee, wine, cocktails, nibbles or a three-course dinner –  Highly recommended.

Brasserie Blanc
9 Belvedere Road
Southbank
London SE1 8YP
t: 020 7202 8470
opening times:
Lounge
9am Monday – Sunday for tea & coffee
Brasserie & Bar
12noon – 11pm Monday – Saturday
12pm – 9.30pm Sunday

Disclosure: I was a guest of Brasserie Blanc