Following their collaboration at Cowley Manor, a country hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds, global hospitality brand Experimental Group has once again teamed up with British chef Jackson Boxer and French designer Dorothée Meilichzon to bring to life Henri, a Parisian restaurant on the ground floor of the Hotel Henrietta in London’s Covent Garden.
Henri Restaurant
(Image credit: Photography by We The Food Snobs)
Meilichzon was tasked with mixing elements of both traditional British pubs and Parisian brasseries, which is reflected in Boxer’s menu. She used textures to add depth, with light velvet banquettes, wood paneling, classic Art Nouveau Thonet chairs and frosted glass windows. At first glance, Henri may seem traditional—think floor-length tablecloths and melting bistro candles—but it’s details like the linen wallpaper that adorns the ceilings or the distracting artwork on the walls that make the space “contemporary and fun,” as Meilichzon herself describes it.
(Image credit: Photography by We The Food Snobs)
Meilichzon adds: “We wanted to create a cohesive dining room that was both intimate and glamorous, with the space framed by the open kitchen and bar.” The result is a restaurant that is transportable, yet in tune with its surroundings. A palette of dark greens, light blues and deep burgundy is revealed through botanical shapes that run throughout the restaurant, reminiscent of Covent Garden’s humble beginnings as a fruit and vegetable market.
(Image credit: Photography by We The Food Snobs)
(Image credit: Photography by We The Food Snobs)
At Henri, which stays true to a traditional bistro layout, tables are so close together that you might be influenced by what guests at the next table are ordering. Boxer, known for London restaurants such as Brunswick House, Orasay and Jackson Boxer at the Corner, has put together an extensive all-day menu that promises “something for every mood”. French-inspired dishes include a mighty Swaledale bavette, prepared with XO cognac and wild peppercorns. For the more adventurous, the grilled snails with green garlic and veal rice make a great starter.
(Image credit: Photography by We The Food Snobs)
(Image credit: Photography by We The Food Snobs)
The sun-drenched outdoor terrace transports you back to the hustle and bustle of central London – in other words, the perfect post-dinner spot to sample the creative cocktail menu, each named after a French icon. After all, what could go wrong with a regal, whisky-infused cocktail from Marie Antoinette?
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(Image credit: Photography by We The Food Snobs)
Henri is located at 14, 15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH, henricoventgarden.com
