Hélène Darroze, shot by Matias Indjic
Hélène Darroze
Internationally acclaimed French chef Hélène Darroze is known for her fine fare, so fine in fact, she’s collected 6 Michelin stars across her three restaurants: Hélène Darroze à Villa La Coste in Provence with 1 star and Marsan par Hélène Darroze in Paris with 2 stars. The pièce de résistance? Well, that has to be her eponymous 3-starred restaurant at The Connaught, London, which celebrated its 16th anniversary this year. Here, the restaurant design showcases a soft, soothing elegance, thanks to interiors by French architect, Pierre Yovanovitch that perfectly sets the tone for the plates—expect good taste all round.
Hélène Darroze, shot by Jérôme Galland & Justin de Souza
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
She is a woman of impeccable taste, so it’s only right that Hélène shares her London beloved haunts—think chilled Martini’s at The Connaught Bar, and a side of culture at the V&A, here are chef’s top recommendations.
Bar: The Connaught Bar
Their accomplishments speak for themselves, but they do serve the best Martini in the city. Even though we share a roof, it’s impressive to see how different our gastronomic approaches are. It’s sleek and professional while making creative and inventive cocktails.
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL
Eat: KOL
I love what Chef Santiago set out to do, bringing Mexican cuisine and culture to the U.K. by only using British ingredients. It’s so creative and the flavors are really unique.
Address: KOL, 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 7BA
Langoustine Taco at KOL, shoy by Rebecca Dickson
KOL
Shop: Borough Market
Borough Market has some amazing fresh and organic produce, it’s beautiful to see the best U.K. ingredients here. I like to do my food shopping there and then maybe grab something to eat too.
Address: Borough Market, London, SE1 9AL
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Visitors browse and buy food from stalls in Borough Market. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Chill out: Sabor
It’s always reliably great. It’s my go-to spot for many occasions, with my teams, with my daughters, and with friends passing through London. I particularly like the tapas’ bar downstairs and being seated on the large table. They also have a very nice sunny terrace in summer which is very pleasant.
Address: Sabor, 35-37 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BR
Culture: Victoria and Albert Museum
It’s a great free gallery and museum, and the building alone is art. They have great exhibitions too.
Address: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Sackler Courtyard Gate, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Sir Aston Webb, 1909. (Photo by: Grant Smith/View Pictures/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
View Pictures/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Architecture: Notting Hill
It’s a beautiful area to explore, the buildings are beautiful and it’s always fun going to Portobello Road. It can be a very tranquil place.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – A quiet Portobello Road in Notting Hill, London. (Photo by Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Your favourite place…Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
My restaurant at The Connaught is my London home, it’s where I have experienced some of the most pivotal moments of my life—I have the most special memories here.
Chef’s Table, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
I learned I was to be a mother there; it’s where I was awarded the highest recognition of three Michelin stars. I’ve built a team which is like family here, and it’s my favorite place to be in London.
Chef’s Table, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Address: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL
