London Food Guide: Eric LanlardBy Alicia Grimshaw
Eric Lanlard is the mastermind behind Cake Boy, a boutique cake cafe in South West London. Not only does he create some downright delicious cakes and sweet treats, he’s author of 5 cooks books, presenter of four television series and has recently unveiled his Market Café on board the new P&O Cruise Ship Britannia. Eric shares his London foodie guide, with his top places to eat in the capital:
Favourite bakery in London?
La Patisserie des Reves. The bakery has a fab interior, display and their patisseries are great – I like this place a lot. It’s a great spot to take friends that are visiting London for the first time.
Favourite place to grab a coffee:
Monmouth Coffee Bar at Borough Market. I am not a coffee obsessive and try to limit myself to one cup a day. A cup of fine coffee served in this iconic food spot is a great start to the day. Best time is to get there early before the mayhem and the tourists turn up.
Photo Credit: murdocklondon
London’s best breakfast can be found at:
Ben’s Canteen on St John’s Hill – a fantastic hang out for a weekend especially breakfast or brunch. I’m a regular and have been for many years, I used to live 5 minutes away – I’m a a bit further away now but it’s still worth the walk. The hearty menu and wide choice served by the friendliest team is what I love, they do all of the modern classics with great aplomb. They have a second branch in Earlsfield.
Favourite French restaurant is:
Gazette in Battersea, it’s a hidden gem and it’s only 5 minutes from Cake Boy. The co-owner and Executive Chef is a fellow Breton man. They do incredible gusty French classics – full of naughtiness dished up in a rustic and inventive way. he best testing chips arrive in a Le Crueset pot and the roast chicken and mash come to the table in a cast iron ware pan. This is where French people eat. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and it’s open from early to late. They have a terrific wine list also.
Where’s your favourite area in London to go and eat out?
Soho
What’s your local restaurant you always go to?
The Bolingbroke on Bolingbroke Road. I always have my Sunday lunch at The Bolingbroke – I’m a creature of habit and a committed Anglophile, there is nothing like a Sunday roast with a fine pint of British Ale. Sunday is usually my only day off so I like to savoir every moment. Again this is local to where I live, my order is: roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings – – it doesn’t get better than that.
Favourite cafe/restaurant for lunch?
It has to be Brady’s. It’s a fish and chip restaurant by the river run by husband and wife team Luke and Amelia. I’m a regular here and will often go early evening and have a dinner for one – being French I do not have a problem eating alone! The fish is so fresh, the servings are generous and the vibe is good.
The Bread Stall on Northcote Road. A variety of delicious artisan breads to tempt you into having a big old carb feast! It’s impossible to walk past the stall without succumbing to one of these tasty loaves.
Favourite restaurant for a celebration?
Le Gavroche in Mayfair. I started my career in the UK with the Roux Brothers and I’m so glad that I got to work with the best and most generous people and mentors that I could have wished for. This restaurant is the finest, whatever I say it’s been said a million times over – it’s pretty much close to perfect.
Favourite restaurant for dinner?
Boma on Wansdworth Bridge Road . A fairly new discovery of mine – the menu is modern and they do a mean steak. It’s relaxing, comfortable, reliable and you always know that you are going to have a great meal here.
Do you have a particular dish from a restaurant that’s your go to?
Souflee suissese at Le Gavroche. A true legendary dish, it’s the most creamiest and lightest soufflé. A dessert island dish!
