La Ferme London

La Ferme London: a menu for everyone!

By Justine FRETIGNE
22/07/2016

The first thing I did when I was invited for dinner at La Ferme London was to look up their menu on the Internet. Alright no let's be honest: the first thing I did was wonder why they had named a restaurant La Ferme London (it literally means "shut up London" in French...). But when I did look up their menu, my mouth immediately started watering : the menu displayed a lamb stew, Burgundy snails and vanilla scallops with a lemon foam, among other delicacies. It was immediately obvious that the menu was based around seasonal products and displayed both an aray of traditional French dishes, as well as less common combinations. Even though I was quite tired when I visited the restaurant, I made my way in through the door with both curiosity and excitement – and in very good company.

La Ferme London

On arrival, we were welcomed by François, the owner of La Ferme London, located at 102 Farringdon Road. He explained to us that his restaurant was above all a family 'adventure'. This young French entrepreneur arrived from Arcachon, in South-West France, in 2011. He created his company and started by serving duck confit burgers in London markets, before widening his offer with Breton crêpes in summer and tartiflettes in winter. About 9 months ago, he decided to open a restaurant and was joined by Guillaume, his half-brother and a professional chef. François also relied on the help of his mother, who is a food hygiene expert.

Simplicity and authenticity, but also originality and diversity

The first impression you get as you enter the restaurant is that of a charming and quiet little bubble. The decor - composed of milk churns and jugs, garden forks, strong ropes and flowered tableclothes - is reminiscent of farms in South-West France. 

The music is discreet, composed mostly of French variety songs and jazz. And the food: simple and authentic dishes, impeccably presented. This is perfectly natural when you know that Guillaume trained in some of the greatest Parisian restaurants: Fouquet's, La Scène at the Prince de Galles and Les Orchidées at the Park Hyatt, on Place Vendôme. The vegetables are so perfectly cooked and the sauces so exquisite that you wish the portions were somewhat bigger. But as they say: "quality is better than quantity!". The lamb stew and the cheese platter, more specifically, are to die for. 

White asparagus and kumquat coulis

Right next to the restaurant, the shop offers a selection of affordable delicatessen products: honey, wine, nicely matured cheeses and a wide diversity of charcuterie. 

A menu for everyone

The shop

At La Ferme London, there will always be something to give you an excuse to eat there. Whether it is the Acoustic Gypsy Jazz evenings on Monday (free entrance), the wine tastings once a month, the happy hours on cocktails Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm, or the £20 tasting 3-course menu. Opened from 7.30 am, this shop/restaurant welcomes you from breakfast to dinner. At lunchtime, you can either choose a take-away meal, or seat in the restaurant. 

You got it: La Ferme London offers a menu for everyone! And François is not planning on stopping here: he is participating in the launch of monmarche.co.uk, a platform on which you will soon be able to buy fresh products, directly imported from the Marché International de Rungis. What are you waiting for? Click, book, enjoy!

La Ferme London
www.lafermelondon.com
102-104 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3EA London
020 7837 5293
bookings@lafermelondon.com