If you have a penchant for life’s sweeter things and want to treat your palate to something beautiful this festive period, head to Balthazar in Covent Garden, which is bringing a traditional, and extra-tasty French Christmas to London by transforming itself into ‘La Chocolaterie Balthazar’.
Balthazar is an all-day dining brasserie in the beating heart of Covent Garden. For the festive period, it will transform itself, with cosy interiors and decorations, becoming a haven for those with a sweet tooth.
Launching in tandem with the La Chocolaterie Balthazar installation will be cocktails created in partnership with Maison Courvoisier, the most awarded Cognac house, along with a trio of desserts for guests dining in the restaurant from now until Monday, 2 January.
Inside La Chocolaterie Balthazar’s wrapper
The façade of the restaurant has been transformed into an unravelled golden foiled chocolate bar, gift-wrapped with a large red ribbon and a ‘La Chocolaterie’ branded awning. Upon entering the restaurant, visitors will see the main mirror, pillar and bar shelf wrapped with festive golden foil, with wreaths placed around the venue, creating a warm atmosphere for those dining in.
If that wasn’t enough, the bar team at Balthazar has created a selection of winter-warming cocktails in partnership with Maison Courvoisier, which will bring an added ‘Joie de Vivre’ to the dining experience.
Tipple highlights include the First Fall (£14.25), served with Courvoisier VSOP Cognac, Lillet Blanc, DOM Bénédictine & Absinthe, the Midnight Snack (£14.00), featuring Courvoisier VSOP Cognac, Tosolini Espresso Liqueur, Chocolate Milk, Cacao Nib Distillate, Buck Spice, Chocolate & Cardamom Bitter. Northern Star (£14.50), a concoction of Courvoisier VSOP Cognac, Pain d’Epice Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup and a touch of Ginger Ale.
Last but not least, the Golden Hour (£13.75) features Courvoisier VSOP, Cointreau, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Lemon Juice and Sugar Syrup.
Guests will also be able to enjoy classic dishes throughout the festive period, including Steak Tartare (£19.25), served with a side of beef striploin, egg yolk and fries, Grilled Fillet of Sea Bass (£26.95), accompanied by beluga lentils, baby onions, baby spinach and fresh herbs velouté. Meanwhile, Balthazar’s iconic Turbot Meunière (£36.85) is served with capers, lemon, parsley and beurre noisette.
Those who must have the sweet stuff should try the Café Gourmand and Courvoisier XO Espresso (£17.50), a trio of miniature desserts, including a Chocolate Macaron, Salted Caramel Chocolate truffle and a Dark Chocolate Brownie.
General Manager of Balthazar, Vidmantas Gricius, told us, “We are thrilled to be bringing festive joy to the heart of Covent Garden and hope that locals, visitors and regulars alike will join us for a toast and sweet treat or two to celebrate the most magical time of the year.”
La Chocolaterie Balthazar – Where and how?
For further information or to make a reservation, please visit www.balthazarlondon.com.
Opening times: Open seven days a week
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 21:45 pm
- Friday: 11:30 am – 22:45 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 22:45 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am-21:45 pm
Where? Balthazar, 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ.
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