Seven years after closing La Tante Claire at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, Pierre Koffmann has returned with his first eponymous restaurant, replacing the departed Gordon Ramsay-owned Boxwood Café.
Koffmann’s at The Berkeley will serve a menu reflecting the chef’s roots in the south west of France, featuring hearty Gascon brasserie dishes such as Wood Pigeon Pie, Pig's Trotter stuffed with Sweetbreads and Morels, Sea Bass with a Citrus Jus, Roasted Rabbit with Dijon Mustard, and Pistachio Soufflé with Pistachio Ice-cream.
Pierre Koffmann told BigHospitality the 120-cover restaurant would be an informal space serving 'food I love to eat and cook', with a move to a more relaxed brasserie style reflecting what Koffmann sees as a change in the London dining scene.
“I definitely feel it has become more casual," he said. "Even fine dining has become more relaxed than it was in the past."
Koffmann's
Koffmann will oversee the kitchen with his 20-strong brigade of chefs on a full time basis, while head chef Clive Dixon will join the team in August from Heston Blumenthal's The Hinds Head in Bray.
Eric Garnier, former co-owner of French restaurant Racine, will manage the front-of-house operation, which includes The Camille private dining room for 12 people, and Pierre's Table for four.
The restaurant has been designed to reflect a chic French style, featuring earthy colours on chairs and off-white walls. Koffmann's will feature an open view kitchen providing a theatrical experience for diners.
Koffmann's head sommelier Mark Botes has devised a wine list featuing 160 international bins with a French emphasis.
Koffmann's will share the food and beverage offering at The Berkeley with Marcus Wareing's two Michelin-starred eponymous restaurant.
Koffmann said: “It's a fantastic offering for the hotel and it's great to have such a good neighbour. We enjoy a quick coffee together in the odd break.”
Boxwood Café
Boxwood Café left The Berkeley Hotel in April after seven years at the site. Details of it’s relocation are expected to be announced later this year.