Langan’s Brasserie

1 Langan’s Brasserie – Born 1976, reborn 2021

I have been eating at Langan’s Brasserie for over 25 years but not since it closed its doors in 2020. Over the years its become a famous landmark in Mayfairs Restaurant scene

So today I’m back again, which long overdue since its reopened in October 2021, I’m really excited to find how it’s changed (hopefully not too much). Anserering my questions today is Samuel Bernard, General Manager.

Langan’s is in Stratton Street, opposite Green Park station & Piccadilly. It’s 5 minutes walk from the The Ritz hotel, Berkley Square and Shepherd Market.

2 Brief History

A popular restaurant, Langan’s, originated in 1976 through a collaboration between Sir Michael Caine, Peter Langan, and acclaimed chef Richard Shepherd.

The restaurant quickly gained global recognition and attracted notable patrons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, Princess Margaret, Mick Jagger, Joan Collins, David Bowie, and Mohammad Ali. It became a big part of Mayfair London nightlife.

Peter Langan played a significant role in creating a welcoming, fun, and lively atmosphere for all guests. He was known for his signature crumpled white suit, but his behavior became increasingly erratic due to his daily consumption of six bottles of vintage champagne.

After 10 years, Langan parted ways with Caine and was ultimately persuaded to stay away from Langans by Chef Shepherd. Despite the changes, Langan’s remained successful and enjoyed a loyal following of patrons, including many famous figures who could often be seen outside the front doors. The menu remained largely unchanged for many years until the restaurant’s closure in 2020.

The quote below encapsulates Peters Langan’s ethos for the restaurant;

You are not coming to our restaurant on the way to the show or after the show: you are the show. When you walk in, you are the star. When you sit down, you are the audience.”

–          Peter Langan

3 Interview

Hi Samuel

Many thanks for your time today

I know when you reopened in 2021 you had carried out extensive renovations, can you outline the work carried out & the improvements?

Reopening in October 2021, Langan’s underwent extensive refurbishment to transform the space and reflect the restaurant’s intimate connection to the worlds of cinema, music and art. Reimagined for a new generation by Peter Mikic, who cites his inspiration as a celebration of British craftsmanship with European flair, the new 3 storey brasserie draws upon 20th century design in a fresh, contemporary fashion.

Stepping through Langan’s hallowed doors, guests will enter the ground floor bar, made from 3 different marbles and adorned with a circular ‘pop’ pattern. In the main dining room, a palette of sage green is offset by neutral accents and at the end of the main dining room sits Langan’s dedicated seafood bar with its curved stainless steel overhang, adding a sense of sculptural theatre. Langan’s’, now listed, staircase will lead guests from the ground floor to the new invitation only cocktail lounge and the basement offers a stunning private dining room which seats up to twenty guests.

With the past history of the restaurant & having such a loyal clientele were you concerned about how the new ownership would be received?

Taking on a heritage restaurant is always a huge responsibility. Our beloved guests feel passionately about Langan’s, as one would when you’re changing an institution that hold such find memories. Guests’, past and present, are listened to and we continue to change, add to and update our offering according to their feedback.

Langan’s Brasserie, the name suggests a French cuisine, however  most people think of Langan’s to be British, I’m not sure so  how would you describe the menu?

Since it first opened its doors, Langan’s was about more than dinner, and more than a party. It was a place where Mick Jagger and David Bowie could share a cocktail, a hub for the well-heeled and the spirited. 

An iconic Mayfair institution with an unparalleled reputation for sophisticated cuisine, stellar service and lavish parties. British elegance respecting French tradition, open for early breakfasts, late night soirées and everything in between.

Can you run through a few of Langan’s famous signature dishes?

Langan’s prides itself on serving the finest seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, the menu will feature all of the classics one would expect from the renowned British-French brasserie.

From theatrical dishes such as beef tartare served either tableside or pinach soufflé with anchovy sauce, to the famed Langan’s Fish Pie and Bangers & Mash, guests will delight at the diverse and contemporary menu with its nod to Langan’s culinary heritage. 

A raw seafood bar will be the centrepiece of the dining experience with a sumptuous array of fresh British oysters dressed in Shallot Vinegar or Ponzu, a Plateau de Fruits de Mer for 2 and a selection of seafood crudo to name a few.

Langan’s is open for breakfast lunch & dinner 7 days a week, it must take an army of staff & fantastic organisation to run so smoothly, what’s the secret?

It is indeed an achievement. Proud is the word that comes to mind when describing the fantastic team that turn up day in, day out to cater for our guests 365 days per year 7 days a week from 8 am till 3am.

The secret is in creating an alchemy for all various departments to work in symbiose with our common goal which is to deliver great hospitality & delicious food in a timely and efficient manner for all guests coming through our doors.

Looking to the future, how do you see the restaurant evolving?

It is going from strength to strength. Langan’s needed an uplift and some TLC which we have provided. There was a fantastic team running the show with an amazing heart pre-covid and we have built on that USP by slowly transforming our offer to a Mayfair and international clientele that has more and more discerning taste.

Thanks, Samuel; it is great to be back in the restaurant today; I love the renovations, without doubt updating & improving the overall appearance whilst keeping the traditional character of the restaurant & bar.

Leaving Langan’s Brasserie, I am pleased to see that the past is not forgotten. Equally important, Langan’s is moving forward and building on its reputation as a beloved restaurant, creating a bright future for itself and its loyal patrons.

4 Contact

Langan’s Brasserie London

Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LB

https://www.langansbrasserie.com

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