Where to eat and drink for London Fashion Week

Brasserie Zedel – with its golden art-deco chandeliers, floor length mirrors and crisp white cotton tablecloths – certainly emulates the glamour of London Fashion Week. It’s not all style over substance, though. For some seriously good, and authentic, french cooking – look no further. Highlights include a delicately prepared Celeriac Salad coated in a light mustard mayonnaise to start, Butterflied Sardines with Tomato and Olives to follow, and a Chocolate Mousse for dessert that we wager no one could turn down. Prices are exceptionally reasonable for such a luxurious setting and the staff are unpretentious and knowledgeable. A London must-visit. 

Conveniently located in Soho – where much of the LFW action takes place – Blanchette offers a more subtle take on French cuisine. That’s not to say the food isn’t impressive. Run by three brothers, this Parisian-style bistro screams chic sophistication. Expect small sharing plates and carafes of (well-priced) French wines and a tempting cheese selection to boot. There’s a lunch and pre-theatre menu (perfect before or after any fashion shows) that will only set you back £15 for two courses. We particularly liked their comte salad with walnuts and radicchio as well as their homemade French Frites, served with a creamy béarnaise sauce. Yum!

For something a bit lighter head to ‘Daisy Green’ an Australian food and coffee hub serving up delectable salads, breakfasts, brunches, and everything in between. Their Banana Bread Sandwich is award-winning (served with fresh Berries, Honey Mascarpone Cream and Pure Maple Syrup, how could it not be?) and their salads are not lacking in flavour or substance; think roasted chicken, avocado and spicy-toasted chickpeas. Vegan and veggie options are in abundance, but for those angling for something meatier, we highly recommend their ‘fancy bacon roll’, complete with Poached Eggs, Crispy Onions, Back Bacon, ‘Holy Fuck Hollandaise’, Chilli and Paratha Roti. Hugely popular (especially during LFW) we do advise booking ahead of time.

For the veggies and vegans amongst us, The Gate (with its various outposts scattered all over the capital) is guaranteed to please. Meat-eaters won’t be put-out either: all of the dishes here are so packed with flavour that you won’t even realise they’re meat free! The decor is inviting and decidedly up-market (all wooden panelling and dim lighting) and each dish is contemporary and fresh. We particularly like their vegan Tagine – filled with Braised Fennel, Pumpkin, Courgette and Apricots – and their wine list is extensive. Why not head to their Marylebone branch for a leisurely brunch before an afternoon of fashion? Order their Banana and Berry Pancakes and thank us later.