Michelin-starred French chef, Daniel Boulud, who hails from Lyon, lends his name and expertise to Bar Boulud, a fabulous restaurant and bar, located within the basement of the Mandarin Oriental hotel.
This stylish, French-inspired eatery has direct street access from Knightsbridge, enabling passers-by to drop in to enjoy one of the most fun places to spend a Sunday afternoon in London, with all that this exclusive neighbourhood has to offer.
The open kitchen and kitchen bar
Bar Boulud has just launched a three-course Sunday Brunch with an extensive menu selection (including a kids’ menu available on request). Expect excellent service in impressive and elegant surroundings, where guests can enjoy a clear view of the immaculate open-plan kitchen and watch the chefs at work, while enjoying the buzzy and chilled atmosphere, which is so perfect for a leisurely Sunday.
Bar Boulud inside Mandarin Oriental
The menu is predominately French, with an American twist, so portions are on the large size, which makes such a welcome change. Included in the very reasonable price of brunch is an aperitif, so I didn’t waste much time ordering a buck’s fizz. I then enjoyed a fresh green salad complete with perfectly ripe avocado, crisp crudités and succulent olives, which was followed by an enormous, delicious and perfectly grilled lemon sole, accompanied by the fluffiest mash, copious amounts of runner beans and delicately creamed spinach, all served in separate dishes, which makes for a much more pleasurable dining experience.
My guilty pleasure was the desert and I definitely made the perfect choice. A warm waffle served with Chantilly and chocolate sauce, served in separate pots, so I could have as much, or as little, as I desired. Truly delicious!
With London Fashion Week starting tomorrow, this is a perfect place for a restoring lunch in between shows.
by Amanda Bernstein
£39 for three courses including an aperitif
Bar Boulud inside Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London SW1XÂ 7LA