Veuve Clicquot and Whitcomb’s launched ‘Terrasse Ensoleillée’ in Leicester Square, offering French Riviera-inspired dining and Champagne experiences.
In a dazzling display of French elegance and Mediterranean charm, Whitcomb’s, the esteemed French Mediterranean restaurant set within The Londoner, has unveiled a stunning summer collaboration with the iconic Champagne house, Veuve Clicquot.
The result is a sun-drenched terrace that promises to transport visitors from the heart of London to the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.
Terrasse Ensoleillée – A Splash of Sunshine in the City
As the temperature rises and Londoners seek escape from the city, the Terrasse Ensoleillée is the epitome of summer chic. Launched on 4th June, it’s already the place to be seen, with Veuve Clicquot’s Champagne and Whitcomb’s food.
The Terrasse Ensoleillée terrace is painted Veuve Clicquot yellow and is a feast for the eyes. Delicate flowers and twinkling fairy lights create a romantic and celebratory atmosphere. It’s a place to linger, sip and savor the joie de vivre.
A Toast to Tradition and Innovation
At the centre of this partnership is a carefully crafted Champagne menu that showcases Veuve Clicquot’s range. The star of the show is the Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015, a vintage that is a solar year in a bottle. This is an exceptional Champagne that is elegant and full of tension. For the true connoisseurs.
For those looking to expand their palates, the terrace offers two enticing tasting flights:
- The Discovery: A journey through Veuve Clicquot’s core range, featuring the Yellow Label, Rosé, and Vintage 2012.
- The Elevation: An upgraded experience that includes the Yellow Label, Rosé, and the prestigious La Grande Dame 2015.
Each flight consists of three 50ml serves, allowing guests to compare and contrast the nuances of these exceptional Champagnes.
Cocktails with a French Twist
Innovation is not limited to the Champagne offerings alone. The terrace boasts a selection of specially crafted cocktails that pay homage to Veuve Clicquot’s heritage while embracing contemporary tastes. A standout is the reimagined French 75, a classic cocktail given new life with the addition of Veuve Clicquot’s exquisite Champagne.
If you want something a bit lighter the berry spritz is the way to go. These bespoke creations show how Champagne can be used as a cocktail ingredient and move beyond the flute to new flavour combinations that will please even the most discerning of palates.
Terrasse Ensoleillée’s Culinary Journey to the Mediterranean
No French-inspired terrace would be complete without a menu to match, and Whitcomb’s has certainly risen to the occasion.
The culinary team has crafted a selection of dishes that not only complement the Champagne offerings but also transport diners to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean.
Signature Dishes
One cannot discuss the menu at Terrasse Ensoleillée without mentioning the pièce de résistance: the Sunshine Burger. This culinary creation is a visual and gastronomic delight, designed to resemble the sun itself.
It features a perfectly cooked patty topped with creamy avocado, zesty pico de gallo, a luscious cheese glaze, crispy bacon, and crowned with a sunny-side-up fried egg. It’s a dish that encapsulates the essence of summer on a plate.
For those with a penchant for seafood, the King Prawn Linguine is a must-try. This dish combines plump, succulent prawns with al dente linguine, tossed in a light sauce of spinach, garlic, Amalfi lemon, white wine, and creamy mascarpone. It’s a harmonious blend of flavours that captures the essence of coastal Mediterranean cuisine.
Seafood Delights
The terrace menu pays special homage to the bounties of the sea, offering a selection of seafood dishes that are perfect for warm summer days. The Rock Oysters served with a Veuve Clicquot Mignonette, are a testament to the marriage of Champagne and seafood – a classic pairing elevated to new heights.
For those looking to indulge, the Seafood Platter is nothing short of extraordinary. This opulent spread includes:
- Two oysters dressed in Veuve Clicquot, green tabasco, and basil oil
- A generous portion of Oscietra caviar
- Four tiger prawns served with a piquant cayenne pepper mayonnaise
- Cornish crab delicately dressed with chilli and lemon
This platter is a celebration of the sea, offering a variety of textures and flavours that are perfectly complemented by the effervescence of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
Summer Soirées at Terrasse Ensoleillée
Terrasse Ensoleillée is more than a restaurant it’s a social space for those long summer evenings where time stands still. Situated between the bustle of Soho and the sophistication of St James it’s the perfect spot for after work drinks, weekend brunch or special occasions.
The terrace’s design encourages a leisurely approach to dining and drinking. Comfortable seating and strategically placed umbrellas ensure that guests can enjoy the outdoor setting come rain or shine. As the sun sets and the fairy lights twinkle to life, the atmosphere transforms, creating a magical setting for evening rendezvous.
A Taste of the French Riviera in London
What sets the ‘Terrasse Ensoleillée’ apart is its ability to transport guests to the French Riviera without leaving London. Every detail, from the yellow-hued decor to the Mediterranean-inspired menu, has been carefully curated to evoke the feeling of a summer’s day in the South of France.
This attention to detail extends to the service, with staff trained to provide an experience that is both attentive and unobtrusive. Whether guests are stopping by for a quick glass of Champagne or settling in for a long, leisurely meal, they can expect to be treated with the warmth and hospitality that is the hallmark of both Whitcomb’s and Veuve Clicquot.
The Legacy of Veuve Clicquot
The partnership between Whitcomb’s and Veuve Clicquot is a natural one, two brands that share a passion for the best and a love of life’s finer things. Veuve Clicquot was founded in Reims in 1772 and is part of the French heritage.
The House’s motto, “Only one quality, the finest,” is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. This philosophy was championed by Madame Clicquot, who took the reins of the House in 1805 and became one of the first businesswomen of modern times. Her visionary spirit and innate sense of French “art de vivre” continue to inspire the brand to this day.
The iconic Brut Carte Jaune, with its distinctive yellow label, has become synonymous with celebration and joie de vivre. Its presence on the terrace menu is a nod to the brand’s heritage and its enduring appeal to Champagne lovers around the world.
A Summer-Long Celebration
The ‘Terrasse Ensoleillée’ by Veuve Clicquot at Whitcomb’s is not a fleeting pop-up, but a summer-long fixture that promises to become a staple of London’s al fresco dining scene.
Open throughout the summer months, it offers ample opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience a slice of French luxury in the heart of the capital.
The terrace’s opening hours cater to a variety of dining preferences:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 – 23:00 (last reservation at 10 pm)
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:30 – 23:00 (last reservation at 10 pm)
These extended hours allow for long, languid lunches that stretch into the evening, as well as romantic dinners under the stars.
