The eagerly awaited new venture from the Galvin brothers opens its doors tomorrow in Spital Square near Liverpool Street. The fine dining restaurant, Galvin La Chapelle, is situated inside the stunning 19th century St Botolph’s Hall, while the all-day café and aperitivo bar opens out on to Bishops Square.
Chef Patrons Jeff and Chris Galvin, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work transforming this empty space from the shell we entered a couple of years ago to the magnificent restaurant we have today, but we are delighted with the results. We are bringing a little of what we have created in the West End to the East End and we can’t wait to open our doors and welcome people in.”
Galvin La Chapelle occupies one of London’s most impressive spaces, complete with a 30 metre high vaulted ceiling, granite pillars, church-like arched windows and limestone walls. There is a private area called ‘the Gallery’ which is located on the mezzanine and a Chef’s table at floor level, visible through smoked glass sections leading directly onto the pass. Head Sommelier, Andrea Briccarello, has put together an inspiring cellar, most of which is on display throughout the restaurant.
Jeff Galvin will lead the La Chapelle kitchen, while guests will be greeted by Sara Galvin (Chris’ wife). The menu offers a fine dining experience featuring classic Galvin dishes such as tagine of squab pigeon with harissa sauce; lasagne of Dorset crab with chanterelles and chervil; slow-cooked Pyrenees lamb ‘Basquaise’; and salad of partridge with pomegranate and maple dressing.
The all-day menu at Galvin Café de Luxe will include wood-fired dishes of meat and fish, as well as some of the signature Galvin bistro dishes. The head chef is David Stafford, previously of The River Café and Café Anglais, and the front of house team includes staff from high-profile restaurants like Corrigan’s and Racine.
The café itself is a contemporary space with dark wood panelling, a tin ceiling and a typically French pewter bar which was originally commissioned by Sir Terence Conran for his Aurora restaurant at the Great Eastern Hotel. Floor to ceiling glass windows will look out over Bishops Square where terrace seating gives City diners the chance to watch the world go by, if only for an hour.
Book now, because this is guaranteed to be the City slicker’s restaurant of choice for the next few months and beyond.
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