Been there #25 - Le Pain Quotidien London

15/20
Le Pain Quotidien
see website to all locations in London

I have known Le Pain Quotidien for about 5 years when I have tried one of their branches in Luxembourg on a Sunday afternoon. I can't remember when exactly Le Pain Quotidien arrived in London but one thing for sure, you can't miss the development of this restaurant chain across London. We have tried High Street Kensington on Young Street (we go there maybe once a month) and last Wednesday the outlet in South Kensington on Exhibition Road. The concept is very simple. The menu is based on home made bread, "pain quotidien" means daily bread. I like the Belgian chain restaurant (yes, it is not French !) because you can get a decent brunch with smoked salmon, a platter of cold meats (saucisson, copa, ham...), a choice of different salads like the one with a full ball of Mozzarella Buffala. You can also try Tartines made with wholewheat organic bread. The treat is when you order a basket of breads and you have several organic jams coming to your table like raspberry, chocolate, marmalade, vanilla, white chocolate and so on. Last Wednesday, I felt like having a large cheese board for my meal. I was however disappointed by the portion of the platter. Way too small and also some cuts in certain cheeses were to close to the "crust". I think they should improve this platter. You pay £9 for it (+service), so you must ensure quality is on the platter. Other than this, Le Pain Quotidien is fantastic and it had become our best local canteen where we want to share a brunch with friends on a Saturday morning. Usually the bill comes at £20 per head. so it also good value for money for London.