Mon Plaisir starts Saturday lunch sitting

Mon Plaisir is London’s oldest French restaurant and even saw Charles de Gaulle dining on wonderful French fare in 1942. For generations this family-run institution has been serving authentic French cuisine and now, after 50 years, they will be open for lunch service on a Saturday. 

Owner Alain Lhermitte commented: “It is something I have been considering for some time. What really compelled me to do it was walking past the restaurant on a Saturday and seeing people trying to open the door and finding it locked”. 

The menu mixes Gallic classics with more contemporary dishes at Mon Plaisir. The classical and Parisian menus encompass the staples of Gallic gastronomy: Gratinée à L’Oignon, Coquilles St Jacques and Entrecôte grillée and Coq au Vin. Diners come from far and wide to enjoy steak tartare from a secret recipe that has been passed down through generations.  The set lunch menu, which changes daily, demonstrates great value for money: two courses for £14.95 and three courses for £16.95. Sample dishes from the set lunch menu include: cappuccino of mushrooms; roast rump of lamb with Provençal vegetables and black olive jus and pancake with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. From the à la carte menu: parfait of foie gras with passion fruit jelly and toasted brioche; filet of sea bass with red and yellow cherry tomatoes with condiment jus; and duck breast with marmalade of chorizo and apple sauce. Mon Plaisir also offers a very reasonable pre-theatre dining menu, with 3 courses priced at £15.50.

Alain Lhermitte has owned Mon Plaisir since 1975. Together with his daughter Valerie, they take pride in preserving the traditions of Mon Plaisir, whilst constantly striving to improve standards. The restaurant comprises four atmospheric dining areas filled with memorabilia from the past, including the famous bar that once graced a Lyon brothel. With the help of their talented and former Michelin-starred chef, Frank Raymond, Mon Plaisir continues to be a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Now open on Saturdays, it's a quite wonderful place to stop by, whether you want a full ‘blow-out’ or just a cup of coffee and a slice of lemon tart. 

Opening times:

Monday - Friday
Lunch: 12.00pm – 2.15pm
Brasserie: 2.15pm - 5.45pm
Evening: 5.45pm – 11.15pm

Saturday
Lunch: 12.00pm – 2.15pm
2.15pm – 3.00pm Brasserie
5.45 – 11.15pm Evening 
 

Mon Plaisir: 21 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DD (Tel: 020 7836 7243) 

For more information, please visit: http://www.monplaisir.co.uk/