Eat & Drink
Originally published on Thursday, 3rd April 2008
Langan's Brasserie
There aren't many restaurants in London with quite the history of Langan's. Over the past 32 years its deco entrance and gents' club interior has welcomed some of the most well-known rabble-rousers to have walked the city's streets.
It's owners weren't exactly without colour either, Seventies bon viveur Peter Langan originally opened the brasserie with Michael Caine.
Co-owner Richard Shepherd has been responsible for keeping the place alive and kicking for the last twenty odd years (some would say more) but decided recently that it could do with a bit of a spruce-up. In just four weeks Langan's has been treated to new floors, a new kitchen and even more art on the walls (adding to the Hockneys, Freuds and other originals already there) but has retained the same eccentric old-school vibe it has become famous for.
Dine on snails with bacon and onion in brioche or warm potted shrimps with tarragon butter, grilled lemon sole or beef en croute (if it happens to be a special that day) and wash down with a good Claret.
Times might have changed and restaurants with them but Langan's remains reassuringly redolent of another, naughtier, era.
Hours: Mon-Fri 12.15-11.45pm • Sat 7pm-12pm
Place: Stratton Street, W1J 8LB
Cost: £45
Web: langansrestaurants.co.uk
Book: 020 7491 8822