London - LPM (La Petite Maison)
I was this-year's-old when I learned a Salade Niçoise is from Nice.
Before a three day work trip, I arrived in London a day early so I could adjust to the time change and, importantly - have a late lunch, do a bit of shopping, and see some galleries.
This reads like the perfect day, but it was 36°C in a tourist-packed city.
At 26,000 steps, I decided I would treat myself to the air conditioned indoors. I had just listened to Victoria Beckham on some beauty podcast and she said her favourite restaurant was LPM in Mayfair. *This is pre-Netflix documentary - I am a former Spice girl fan and like her clothing line enough, but, now I am full blown fan willing-to-do/go/eat/sleep-anywhere she recommends.
LPM is now a worldwide brand. The restaurant sits on the World’s 50
Best and the chef, Raphael Duntoye, has opened eight other LPM restaurants around the world - including Las Vegas, Riyadh, Hong Kong, Limassol.
At each table is olive oil, a tomato, and a lemon. I thought it was decorative until the family of four beside me - clearly regulars - sat down and cut into the appetizer right away.
It is the best and most memorable tomato I have ever had.
The pared back interiors, white table clothes, flooding natural light, all windows and doors open - made the interior feel cool and coastal. Which was welcomed since the air conditioner was, in fact, broken. I sat for 2.5 hours, read the entire Financial Post with a glass of well-recommended rose and then had an espresso. The family of four had left and an elderly couple celebrating their anniversary sat down; we chatted politics - British and Canadian, and toasted to their accomplishment.
Since LPM is conveniently close to our office, I am sure I will be back - but for now it will remembered as the perfect city-sanctuary for a long lunch while in London alone.
What I Ordered: SALADE NIÇOISE Niçoise Salad 29.5 | 2021 PALAIS CONSTANCE BY GSTAAD GUY Provence 17.8
Address: 53-54 Brook's Mews, London W1K 4EG, United Kingdom
Recommend For: For all the flack the French get - they truly are accommodating; there’s no nose turned down to children or groups. I would recommend LPM for anyone, but the food is light and expensive. I’m not sure if it screams Holiday in London, Must Visit - but for work trip or a stop in London while en route to your next destination, it’s a great spot to visit.
Reservations: Yes, via their website.