Comptoir Poilâne: Brunch?

 

I hate brunch! There, I’ve said it.

I’m not sure if it’s simply because of the cras blend of words, maybe the widespread acceptance of its existence and it’s casual use when arranging a meeting, or just that somebody has cleverly marketed a new concept to fit between two perfectly adequate and established mealtimes.

What is wrong with a late breakfast or an early luncheon? Is this just a new term for elevenses?.. I am of course completely alone with this view at The Caperberry Collective, the girls are constantly brunching (hell! It sounds even worse as a verb). It’s just because I am a dinosaur and I’m set in my ways. I of course love to eat at anytime of day and so for an early lunch or perhaps a late breakfast, I found myself just off Sloane Square, at Comptoir Poilâne. A beautiful dining venue that is the first in London to mirror Poilâne’s original Parisian establishment. 

 

 

A true, informal French eaterie. Comptoir Poilâne serves, amongst other things, their famous “tartines”, open faced sandwiches with the fine ingredients displayed on world renowned sourdough bread. This is the reason I’m here.

I love the these little gems and Comptoir Poilâne has the most extensive range in the capital. Each plate served with either a soup or mixed leaf salad, toppings ranging from egg, to chicken and tarragon, cheese to foie gras. They even do an Aussie take on this classic, with a vegemite and avocado tartine!

 

 

It’s all about the bread, which is freshly baked in a wood fired oven at Poilâne’s bakery in Belgravia.

I am comforted by the passion with which they champion their wholesome and unadulterated stoneground wheat bread in a world of unfounded and unashamed gluten hating.

Wine is good, French and by the glass and pastries and croissants are as you would expect from a baker with such esteemed heritage. 

Tables are set out around a central open kitchen/bar where you are served by smart staff in a bustling atmosphere. Open from 07:30 on weekdays and 08:30 on weekends. Be it a work meeting, a bite between the shops, or a casual catch-up, Comptoir Poilâne is the perfect all day dining experience, whenever you want to go and whatever you want to call it!

– LBM

 

BRINGING BACK BREAD

Poilâne has just launched their collaboration with five top London chefs to create a bespoke tartine menu. Using Poilâne’s signature loaf as the base, chefs including Jeremy Lee (Quo Vadis), Robin Gill (The Dairy), Neil Rankin (Temper), Max Halley (Max’s Sandwich Shop) and Edson Diaz-Fuentes (Santo Remedio) have each been put to the test to put their own creative stamp on the classic tartine. Fun and delicious and definitely worth popping in for.

 

GO TO: poilane.com