Margaux founders husband and wife team Sylvia Kontek and Vittorio Monge, opened new restaurant Bandol, on the 16th October at 6 Hollywood Road, Chelsea.
The prestigious venue brings Nicoise and Provencal sharing dishes to London with fresh, simple ingredients.
Designed by Kinnersley Kent Design, Bandol presents surroundings of Provence and the French Riviera. The overall style seems sophisticated and chic with edgy elements. A long, copper-topped bar stretches half the length of the space, atop hexagonal tiles in shades of white and grey. The bar sits beneath intriguing blue, golden and smoked glass pendants.
Rustic wooden bar stools feature in the restaurant as well as dramatic exposed beams, plaster and white washed brick walls, adding an edgy touch to the stylish diner. Huge Victorian windows allow natural light to flood the room, adding a sense of airiness and openness about the space. The bar leads on to the restaurant, marked by a sky-blue linen curtain.
Acting as a focal point, an enormous olive tree stands in the centre of the room, illuminated with pretty lanterns and surrounded by zinc tables with white wishbone chairs and wooden rope seats that are punctuated with clementine trees. A verdant living wall is the backdrop to the restaurant, filled with beautiful ivy, ferns and vines. Two private dining rooms are screened with copper mesh and adorned with copper ceilings and antique Champagne riddling racks.
The menu, designed by Zsolt Ferencz, whose experience at Scott’s Restaurant spans over 10 years, includes both small and large plates designed to share, encouraging social eating. Influenced by the flavours and traditions of Southern France, the menu offers dishes such as Petits Farcis Nicoise filled with Foie Gras and Yellowtail Carpaccio, pomegranate, crispy shallots and a honey & citrus vinaigrette.
More dishes include Bandol Boullabaisse with red mullet, gurnard, tiger prawns & mussels; Roasted Sea bass with pistou smoked tomatoes and Duck Leg Confit with braised lentils and roasted figs. Desserts list dishes are inspired by the sunny climes of the region, such as Fig Tart and Lavender and Thyme Ice-cream.
The wine list is predominately French and extensive, created by Sylvia in homage to her first restaurant Margaux. It focuses on the South of France, and in particular – Bandol, and there is a substantial section dedicated to wines by the carafe and glass.
Margaux
Back in 2013 Margaux opened its doors in Fulham, labelling itself as a gastro wine bar. Ever since its opening the bar has been triumphant, seeing the likes of Pippa Middleton and company and due to its success, the owners planned their second venture in Chelsea – Bandol.
Margaux, sister restaurant to Bandol is situated at 150-152 Old Brompton Road and offers a classic European menu. The 120-bin wine list covers an extensive range of producers and grapes, with a special emphasis on Old World varieties. Margaux is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
The menu at Margaux offers a delicious range of dishes that includes starters such as wild sea bass ceviche, house-made pork terrine and prawn and toasted saffron ravioli. Delectable mains include ginger marinated poussin, duck leg confit and pan seared angus fillet, served with peppercorn sauce and glazed vegetables. The classic Tarte tatin as well as innovative earl grey crème brulee feature on the dessert menu, in addition to a variety of dessert wines by the glass.
