Brasserie Blanc is a resturant chain which looks to portray a relaxed French brasserie at an affordable price.
Brasserie Blanc
Brasserie in Southwark
Ad
Opening Times
| Monday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 22:00 |
| Tuesday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 22:00 |
| Wednesday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 22:00 |
| Thursday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 22:00 |
| Friday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 22:00 |
| Saturday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 22:00 |
| Sunday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 21:00 |
Brasserie Blanc Picture Gallery
All In London Review
An authentic spoonful of Gallic flavour
Founded by iconic French chef Raymond Blanc, there are five brasseries in London, each with its own personality and quirks and all proud to work with some of the very best suppliers in the UK to ensure seasonality and sustainability in its menu.
The South Bank space is a stone’s throw from the Southbank Centre, minutes from Waterloo but far enough apart from the main strip of busy restaurants to not be rammed to the hilt when we visited on a Wednesday night.
The classic French menu features dishes you’d expect like moules mariniéres and an irresistible cheese soufflé, but with the additions of discoveries from Raymond’s travels around the globe, from Moroccan mezze to Indian curries.
I started with a pot of juicy, sweet potted Cornish crab and avocado with prawn butter and sour-dough toast, the taste of the seaside and the perfect summer starter, though having said that the flavour my guest’s moules mariniere instantly transported us to a French harbour.
The mains are where the menu becomes slightly more international; think malabar fish curry with toasted coconut, lamb tagging and a spicy gunpowder chicken with green papaya salad. On this occasion however we eschewed the international cuisine.
Their free range Cornish beef burger came pimped up, oozing homemade tomato chutney, garlic mayonnaise and tangy comté cheese, served in a sourdough bun with French fries. A great burg-er is a brasserie classic and this one didn’t disappoint. On the other side of the table, the home-made salmon and smoked haddock fishcake was a hit, seasoned just right and saved with wilted spinach, leeks, peas and baby gem lettuce, a free range poached egg and tartare sauce. A clas-sic combination but cooked to perfection. Come autumn I would certainly plump for the slow-cooked boeuf bourguignon with red wine sauce, lardons, baby onions, mushrooms and mash. Could there be a more comforting dish?
Those sweet of tooth will be pleased to hear that the dessert menu is suitably French, boasting cherry amadine of frangipane and fresh cherries with crème anglaise and a chocolate feullantine, the decadent French classic of layered chocolate sponge and mousse. Alas, we were too stuffed to attempt a dessert, but will certainly be back for more.
By the time we’d finished the place was buzzing, but even when packed the service was great and the atmosphere wasn’t irritatingly loud. In fact my only gripe was the lack of a cloakroom; the night of our visit it was pouring with rain, and the fact that there was no cloakroom, no coat rack and awkward shaped chairs which our coats slid off the back of, it meant we had to sit with them either dripping down our backs or in a wet heap on the floor. She might not think it a huge deal, but it was a real frustration in what was otherwise a lovely evening.
Reviewed by Laurel
Published on Sep 2, 2019
Another modern establishment offering well cooked food without too much ceremony
Whilst there isn’t any daylight – it’s a little subterranean – the black and white floor tiles tell you it’s got bistro in its blood. The cheerful, fast talking and knowledgeable staff (none of that French disdain) showed us to a table although we would rather have had one of the lovely booths with metal luggage racks overhead.
There was a lively buzz about the place and I admired the large candle holders on the rear shelf that were covered in layers of melted wax.
My colleague ordered a glass of Fleurie (£10.75) and the attentive waitress asked if he would like it chilled – which he did. I asked for a glass of white wine and was offered a number of alternatives before choosing the Domaine Begude Sauvignon Blanc (£8.25). Both were excellent.
We didn’t take long to make our choices – but the waitress talked us through the specials anyway. My Cornish dressed crab with fries (£15.90) was a delightfully light meal although it didn’t take advantage of the culinary skills which were evident from the dinners of those around me. But I was happy – especially as the crab wasn’t so chilled as to be tasteless as is the case in some establishments.
Meanwhile my friend tucked into a Cornish 8oz Sirloin steak (£23.30) which was presented on a wooden board with some accompanying fries. It was perfectly cooked medium-rare and he enjoyed it immensely.
Whilst we hadn’t planned on eating desserts, the suggested special (treacle tart - £5) sounded too good to miss so we treated ourselves to some of the warm, rich, sticky confection which was served with a light vanilla ice cream.
With only one glass of wine each, I thought that the bill of £68.20 without service was a little steep. But I guess that’s what you must expect for a celebrity chef branded restaurant. And I don’t think we took advantage of some of the many delicious looking items on the extensive menu. And it’s worth noting that there is a set lunch (£10.95) and dinner (£14) menu if you are price conscious.
I was surprised that it wasn’t busier – especially as the National Theatre is just across the road. But I am delighted that I have found another modern establishment offering well cooked food without too much ceremony on the South Bank. And I will have to return to try the Baked Alaska flamed with grand marnier (for 2 - £14.95).
Reviewed by KimT
Published on Jun 26, 2013
User Reviews
There are no user reviews
Have your say
Add a review or useful tip for this restaurant