Villandry

Villandry originally opened its doors in 1989 on Marylebone High Street, an intimate, endearingly-ramshackle shop full of wonderful smells and delicious goodies. Bursting at the seams it relocated to its current larger, smarter premises on Great Portland Street in November 1997. With oodles of space, a gorgeous Foodstore, informal Restaurant and buzzing Bar were created to establish Villandry as one of Fitzrovia's most popular destinations.

Their team of bakers work throughout the night to produce the very best breads, patisseries and cakes, and undoubtedly the most incredible 100% all butter croissants. While the chefs beaver away in the Villandry kitchens cooking up a huge array of lip-smacking dishes prepared from well-sourced ingredients.

Exciting changes are in progress to ensure Villandry continues to celebrate its gourmet heritage by focusing on the very best produce. The gourmet grocer and deli provides a large range of exceptional foods; from the freshest and most flavoursome fruit and vegetables, to wonderfully authentic pastas, pastries, chocolate and spices.

The cheese and charcuterie counters are a treat for the taste buds and the take-away counter - for everything from snacks to three-course meals - has queues for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with orders also taken by phone. A diverse range of picnic hampers is also available for that balmy summer's day in the park, at Wimbledon, Lord's or Henley. A full catering service is also available on request. The 100-seat Restaurant and 60-seat Bar are also available for exclusive private hire.

Villandry Restaurant is run by head chef Brian Scully, under executive chef David Rood. The fresh food is produced without fuss and particular attention is paid to the quality of the ingredients. Its relaxed, European-style ambience continues to woo people from all over London keen to try delicious, uncomplicated flavours in Villandry's simple, seasonal cooking.

The Restaurant menu changes seasonally and its short, sharp list of dishes covers the full range of carefully sourced, seasonal favourites, including char-grilled asparagus with Morecombe Bay shrimps and lemon butter, chicken paillard with wild rocket, frisee and red pepper relish, steak tartare with a single leaf salad and not forgetting the mouth-watering moist chocolate cake with crème Chantilly.

For full meals, eat in the Restaurant. For breakfasting, light lunching, snacking, chatting, sipping, gossiping and meeting from morning until night, the Bar is ideal. From 8am you can enjoy boiled eggs with soldiers, Scottish smoked kippers or some Villandry granola and fruit salad. If you are feeling continental, why not have a pain-au-chocolat from the Bakery or some French toast with maple syrup?

For lunch you can choose from the monthly changing menu - Villandry charcuterie plate, soup of the day or perhaps a plate of linguini with scallops, wild garlic and herbs. Or if you're in the mood for a burger, why not try the Villandry cheeseburger with dill pickle and club sauce. A small dinner menu and bar snacks are available in the early evening, with charcuterie and cheese plates available from the deli in the shop.

The Bar hosts Jazz every Saturday from 8pm, with some of the Capital's top talent spilling out chilled tunes. A special 3-course menu is available for £25 per person. Free wireless internet access is provided, so you can check your email and surf the net at super speeds, all in the comfort of the Bar.

Villandry Foodstore is a gourmet shop for serious food lovers in central London. It sells the finest quality ingredients sourced from specialist suppliers around the world. Many other items are homemade in the Villandry kitchens and sold either as takeaway meals or served in the Restaurant and Bar.

Their products would shine in the most finely fitted kitchens: olive oils, vinegars, wines, cheese and hams from across Europe; pickles and chutneys; a daily selection of fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables from Secretts Farm; specialist items to order, and enough chocolate to last you through the year. Order bespoke hampers from them as the perfect present or wine by the case. Their wine list is extensive and they are always happy to discuss choices.

To contact them, order hampers, or to get on their mailing list, use the form provided on their Website.