French brasserie set to makes it mark on Spitalfields Market

Le Bouchon Breton will open on Wednesday 8th of October 2008 in Spitalfields Market. Breton, an impressive French brasserie, champagne and shellfish bar is the brainchild of restaurateur and ex money broker Ian Stoppani and culinary heavyweight Michel Roux Jr. Nicolas Laridan who has spent the last seven years as Head Chef at Le Gavroche is running the kitchen of Breton, with Francois Bertrand, Le Gavroche’s beloved ex sommelier, brought in to tackle both the extensive wine list of over 700 bins and the 40 cover Champagne bar, Bertrand is also the Restaurant Manager.

Le Bouchon Breton takes its influence from the grand old Parisian brasseries, La Coupole, Le Train Bleu, Bofinger and Lipp. Breton, a 160 cover restaurant and decadent 40 cover champagne and seafood bar has a ‘belle époque’ style interior, with a huge pewter custom-built bar, dominating the impressive space. Nestling fifty foot under the pitched iron and glass roof, there is a stunning all year round terrace bar and alfresco dining area which overlooks the hustle and bustle of the historic market below.

Menu consultant and culinary legend Michel Roux Jr of Le Gavroche and Le Bouchon Breton’s new Head Chef Nicolas Laridan have come up with a stunning menu. A large section is dedicated to a wide selection of Breton shellfish, brought in daily to create a selection of “Les Plateaux de Fruits de Mer” to share.

Breton also offers a good range of comforting, well priced brasserie classics which include staple favourites like, Les terrines et charcuteries, Moules marinieres, Les Crustaces, Escargots de Bourgogne, Salade gourmande, Soupe de poissons, Bisque de homard, Carre d’agneau, Steak tartare, Rognons de veau, Choucroute and the signature, Steak frites, Chateaubriand, Filet de Boeuf and Cote de boeuf, all offered in a choice of different sizes.

The list of classic brasserie desserts includes a selection of house Ice cream coupes, Crème brulee, Les profiteroles a la glace de vanille, Le clafouti aux pruneaux and La tarte tatin to share. There is also a cheese trolley featuring over 40 types of regional French cheeses.

Breakfast and light snacks, including Omelettes, Oeuf brouilles et Oeufs Benedicte, Le plateau de charcuterie, Le Bouchon steak baguette, Croque Monsieur and Madame are all available from the bar as well as iced plates of oysters and shellfish. Why not sample a glass of something special from the magnificent Breton wine list and indulge in a few moreish morsels from the fabulous Canapé selection available from the bar which features the likes of, Sliced Bayonne ham and gherkins, Tempura de crevettes, Assiette saumon fume et brioche toastee or Le Plateau charcuterie to name a few.

The wine list at Le Bouchon Breton has been a labour of love for owner Ian Stoppani and sommelier, Francois Bertrand who have devised it containing over 700 bins, some of which are available by the bottle and “au verre”. The Champagne bar features a fine range of vintage and non-vintage labels as well as a list of classic cocktails, “bierre pression” and a good selection of Cidre de Bretagne.

Like all true brasseries Le Bouchon Breton keeps its doors open from morning through to night!

Le Bouchon Breton is located at 8 Horner Square, Spitalfields Market, London E1 6EW.

For more information, log on to Lebouchon.co.uk.