Rediscovering Three Michelin Star Hélène Darroze, at The Connaught
A Landmark for London’s Culinary Scene
Three Michelin stars, a bold vision of French cuisine, and one of London’s most exquisite dining rooms. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an institution of modern luxury, redefined for a new era of culinary travellers.
As all diners discover, you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste the work of one of the world’s most important female chefs at the peak of her career. With a philosophy rooted in provenance, craft, and storytelling, and a dining room that blends art, architecture, and intimacy, simply don’t pass this opportunity by.
The Connaught: impeccable luxury & British Excellence,
When it first opened in 2008, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught quickly became a beacon of French fine dining in the heart of Mayfair. Over the years, it has maintained its reputation as one of the finest restaurants in London and today, with three Michelin stars, it stands as a testament to Hélène’s singular vision and continual culinary legacy.
For those yet to visit, or for foodies who have long admired her work from afar, this is the moment to discover the restaurant. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2019, the dining room, Chef’s Table, and Armagnac Room were reimagined with the same artistry and attention to detail that Hélène brings to her menus.
The Cuisine: Ingredient-First, Story-Led
At the heart of Darroze’s philosophy is a devotion to provenance. Each dish is anchored not by the chef’s ego but by the extraordinary quality of its key ingredient. Guests choose plates guided by origin: think Crab from Davrik, Cornwall, or Lamb from North Wales, each presented in ways that honour seasonality and craft.
Menus shift frequently to embrace the micro-seasons of the British Isles, with a journey that begins in ritual: a delicate seasonal consommé to cleanse the palate and prepare the senses.
Darroze explains, “Every dish I have ever created is part of who I am — not just my work and travels, but also my family, my teams, and the incredible artisanal suppliers I have come to know and respect.”
This is food as storytelling, connecting Mayfair diners with the landscapes of Britain and Southwest France through flavour, memory, and heritage.
The Dining Room: Art Meets Gastronomy
For the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, Darroze partnered with acclaimed French interior architect Pierre Yovanovitch to reinvent the dining room. The result is a space that balances heritage with intimacy, artistry with restraint. The overall effect is cosseted and refined, a dining room where every detail, from floor to fresco, mirrors the artistry of the plate.
“It was an honour to be tasked with the re-design of Hélène Darroze at The Connaught,” says Pierre Yovanovitch. “The design of the restaurant is, in many ways, a reflection of Helene’s cuisine, with elegance and exceptional, locally-sourced quality at the core of the space. The interior combines hand-worked woods, ceramics, blown glass, as well as contemporary craft techniques, all custom-made from artisan makers located throughout Europe.”
Crafted Design Highlights Include
Hand-carved oak panelling, lightened to create a luminous, contemporary feel.
Bespoke banquettes and chairs in soft pinks, tans, and greens, upholstered in velvet and leather.
Hermes crockery used for tea
A hand-blown glass chandelier suspended above bespoke oak tables, each with striking red lacquered bases.
Damien Hirst artworks commissioned for the restaurant, installed as bold contemporary counterpoints to the historic setting.
Art à la Table
Darroze’s obsession with craftsmanship extends to the table itself. Guests begin their meal with consommé served in handmade bowls by ceramicist Ema Pradere. Later, tea and coffee are presented in Hermès’ Bleu d’Ailleurs service, a subtle yet powerful expression of elegance.
From crockery to cutlery, nothing is off hand. Each choice reflects the restaurant’s ethos: culinary excellence expressed through artistry, design, and luxury.
The Chef’s Table & Armagnac Room
Downstairs, the Chef’s Table is one of London’s most intimate fine dining experiences. Seating up to ten guests around a custom pink marble table, it offers a direct dialogue with the kitchen. Here, dishes are presented informally by the chefs, set against a cobalt blue fresco by Rochegaussen and illuminated by Matteo Gonet lighting.
Photography credit: copyright Hélène Darroze, at The Connaught.
Next door, the Armagnac Room is a nod to Hélène’s family heritage. With more than 250 different Armagnacs spanning 30 estates and 50 vintages, it’s a connoisseur’s paradise and a rare chance to taste spirits from one of the finest family-run cellars in France.
The Wine - OVEr 20,000 Bottles
With a list of more than 3,000 bins and 20,000 bottles, the wine programme at The Connaught is among the finest in Europe. Curated under the guidance of Director of Wine Daniel Manetti, the cellar reflects a deep commitment to relationships with producers across France, Spain, and beyond. Pairings are bold but precise, designed to elevate the purity of Darroze’s cuisine while offering guests a journey through classic and emerging terroirs.
For first-time foodies visiting London or luxury travellers curating their itinerary, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is a must. It embodies a plethora of memory-making experiences of excellence - simply priceless. Enjoy.
The Connaught, Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
t: 020 3147 7200
