Julien Imbert announced as new head chef of Le Pont de la Tour

The Staff Canteen

Chef Julien Imbert will take on the helm of the kitchen at Le Pont de la Tour ahead of the French restaurant’s 26th anniversary.

The London Evening Standard reports that the chef will be replacing the current menu with a more modern take on fine dining with a focus on ‘French comfort food.’ The restaurant is also said to be introducing a new front of house team too.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Julien said: “I am thrilled to have taken over the kitchens at Le Pont De La Tour, which has played such a key role in London’s dining scene...I have kept the foundations of the menu true to the fundamental principles of French cooking, whilst also introducing modern elements that are reflective of French cooking today.”

He added: “We will begin a new, partnering with some incredible producers, from small dairy farmers in Brittany for the best cheese and butter, to Flying Fish in Cornwall for the finest fish and seafood, along with Turnips and other Borough Market suppliers for vegetables and meat.”

Julien has previously held positions in multiple Michelin starred kitchens including Heston Blumenthal’s two starred Dinner by Heston and the one starred restaurants; City Social, part of Jason Atherton’s restaurant empire and Sketch.

According to the Evening Standard the bar and grill will serve steak tartare; mussels with white wine, mustard and saffron; slow-cooked beef cheek with mashed potato and red wine sauce; and a Croque Monsieur.

While the main dining room will offer more technical dishes including halibut with curry velouté, mussels, and a gruyere crust; braised lamb shoulder with black garlic emulsion and lemon yoghurt; and duck for sharing between two, with a confit leg salad.

The news site reports the new changes will take effect when Julien joins the team in December with the front of house team led by general manager, Fabien Battut along with sommelier Paul Fauvel, who joins the team from Celeste at The Lanesborough.

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 29th November 2017

Julien Imbert announced as new head chef of Le Pont de la Tour