Wine expert Xavier Rousset has unveiled his latest project, Blandford Comptoir; an informal restaurant showcasing Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences.
Located on Blandford Street, the restaurant will have 40 covers and will focus around a bar, seating 14, where guests can enjoy the extensive range of 250 wines, 50 champagnes and a tempting selection of home brewed cocktails.
The restaurant will be a community hub, with Xavier and his team inviting diners and local residents to contribute their thoughts and suggestions for the ever evolving wine list. Open seven days a week from 12-10pm, Blandford Comptoir’s relaxed and informal atmosphere will appeal to Marylebone dwellers and workers, as well as those from across the capital in search of great food and wine.
Showcasing the very best, well sourced ingredients, the menu will feature a selection of meat, seafood, raw and vegetable small and large plates, designed to be enjoyed in any order. Guests can choose to order three separate courses, or simply select a few plates to share in a group. Dishes will include Carpaccio of fassone beef and 36 month old parmesan; Sicilian red prawns; and Duck breast with tortellini of leg and figs. Fassone cote boeuf, with confit new season garlic and red wine jus will be available to share between two. Sunday lunch will also be served every week.
The wine list will feature quirky grapes from South West France, Campania and many more regions as well as the classics. Xavier will also host monthly Saturday wine tastings at Blandford Comptoir. Free to attend, guests will taste 12-14 wines before choosing their favourite two white and two red which will be added to the restaurant’s wine list for one month.
Xavier started his career working at various prestigious restaurants in France such as the two Michelin Star Le Laurent in Paris and Villa Belrose in St Tropez before becoming Chief Sommelier at the Hotel du Vin. In 2002, Xavier won the Ruinart UK Sommelier of the Year and became the youngest Master Sommelier in the world. He was next appointed Head Sommelier at the Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons working with the esteemed Raymond Blanc. Upon leaving, Xavier along with business partner Agnar Sverrisson set up Texture restaurant in 2007 which, within only three years, won a Michelin Star plus a host of other accolades including three Rosettes in the AA Guide. Most recently, Xavier opened 28.50 Wine Workshop and Kitchen as well as various other outlets in London.
On the launch of Blandford Comptoir, Xavier said: “I am really excited to launch Blandford Comptoir in Marylebone, which remains my favourite area of London. It has managed to retain its village and independent feel, which is so unusual in the Capital nowadays! ‘Comptoir’ dining and the casual yet professional approach to restaurants is very much the way I like to dine out, focusing on ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.”
The new restaurant is expected to open during the last week of May.
Address: Blandford Comptoir, 1 Blandford Street, London W1U 3DA / 0207 935 4626
