%20copy.jpg)
Stroll past Hermès in London’s prestigious SW1X postcode, where Sloane St. meets Cadogan Place, and you’ll find La Maison Ani.
Translated to ‘The House of Ani’ in English, it’s quickly become Knightsbridge's hottest celebrity hangout and perhaps the coolest cuisine in the area.
Brainchild of Chef Izu, the man behind Gaia, who’s known for his modern approach to fusion cuisine, La Maison Ani is another success story, as they recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. As a seasoned event planner (not to mention, a foodie), I had to know if it was worth the hype.
Entering through the beautiful flower-clad side door off Cadogan Place, I find myself transported into a timeless French brasserie. It’s all coral-pink décor, dark woods and ornate chandeliers, drawing inspiration from Parisian icons like the Eiffel Tower and Jardin du Palais.
Lunch service has just begun, and the sound of clinking glasses and rumble of conversation fills the room. It might be a Wednesday afternoon, but every table is taken; confirmation that Chef Izu knows precisely what he’s doing when it comes to restaurants.
Nestled inside the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London’s first Tower Hotel, which opened in 1961 and was once a hub for fashion, music, and culture, hosting famous guests like Twiggy and Mary Quant in the Swinging Sixties, it draws a big crowd and global celebrities alike. Princess Eugenie was spotted dining in March, and I brushed shoulders with one-third of international music sensation, Keinemusik, on my way in.
The manager ushers me into their intimate 14-person private dining room, which is an elegant extension of the main restaurant; pink and cream hues, fresh flowers and beautiful chandeliers. Glamorous, but it has a real homely feel.
I’ve selected La Maison Ani for a work away day – complete with delicious canapés, French wine, and in such a beautiful setting. As my team arrives, mini vegetable tarts that look like art, fresh tuna tartar, and colourful lettuce cups, are served on silver trays by smiley and attentive waiters.
If, like me, you were wondering what exactly French-Mediterranean cuisine is, think olive oil and basil prawns, grilled aubergine with shrimps, feta cheese and pesto sauce, and slow-cooked short rib with padrón peppers, roasted carrots, and sweet onions.
The menu is full of French classics with Mediterranean influences, an array of elevated and tantalising dishes. Everything you’d expect from a classic French restaurant, but with a little something special. I can't contain myself as I think about the “Izu Burger”, thinly-sliced, tender, cooked-to-perfection steak, between a warm, glossy French baguette. Quite possibly the best wagyu I've ever tasted. Coming from someone who’s lived their whole life in London and has made it my life’s mission to visit every fine food establishment, that’s saying something.
%2520copy.jpg)
%2520copy.jpg)
The opening of the Knightsbridge post is a full circle moment for Chef Izu; the hotel is a place where he once passed daily as an aspiring cook, travelling from his kitchen job on Sloane Street.
The 168‑cover venue includes two stylish bars, and an al-fresco terrace overlooking Cadogan Gardens; the perfect setting whether it’s a warm summer’s day in London or a cosy winter's evening. The restaurant aims to capture the essence of togetherness through delicious food and French charm.
I can see why there’s so much hype around La Maison Ani and why Chef Izu’s endeavours continue to be a success globally – fabulously done food, excellent service and an effortlessly cool vibe.
