D&D London appoints Raphael Francois chef-patron of Launceston Place

10 March 2016 by Neil Gerrard

D&D London has appointed Raphael Francois as chef-patron of Launceston Place in South Kensington.

His appointment follows the departure in October last year of Tim Allen, who joined Lady Bamford's Wild Rabbit in Kingham, Oxfordshire.

Francois is best known for holding the position of executive chef at the Connaught hotel, working alongside his mentor Hélène Darroze when the restaurant Hélène Darroze at the Connaught gained two Michelin stars.

At Launceston Place he aims to create innovative and modern menus that celebrate seasonal British produce at its finest. Sample dishes include scallop with Parmesan, beets and truffle melanosporum; blue crab simplissime with creamy potato, tarragon and carapace jus; squab with mandarin, pomme noisette and barley; and cod with clams, pesto, cod roe and hispi cabbage.

Desserts will include crema Catalana with banana and lime sorbet and burnt lime; dark chocolate nemesis with blackberries, almonds and rocket; and poached baby apple with pecan parfait and maple.

Alongside Francois's appointment Launceston Place will be launching a new, more relaxed Sunday offering with dishes such as guinea fowl with green and brown cauliflower and pomegranate and dry-aged Herefordshire beef with Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables and red wine sauce.

Meanwhile, private dining room the Chef's Office at Launceston Place, which seats up to 12 people, has undergone a redesign. Francois will serve a bespoke menu with wines matched by Launceston Place's head sommelier Piotr Pietras.

D&D London managing director David Loewi said: "We are absolutely delighted that Raphael will be heading up Launceston Place. He is an incredibly talented chef and his natural flair in the kitchen, expertise and passion for food will certainly bring something very special to D&D London."

Tim Allen joins Lady Bamford's Wild Rabbit >>

Menuwatch: Roux at Parliament Square >>

Tim Allen to depart from Launceston Place >>Are you looking for a new role? See all the current restaurant vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>