Chef Dominique Ansel and his team are bringing a little bit of French and New York flavour across the pond, with the opening of his eponymous bakery, Dominique Ansel Bakery London, in Belgravia in late summer/early autumn 2016.
Located on Elizabeth Street, close to Victoria, Dominique’s first Europe-based bakery will carry a menu of signature pastries from his original shop as well as a new line of London-only items.
Ansel said, “Although I grew up in France, so close to London, I didn’t have a chance to visit until I was much older. When I did, I immediately fell in love with the blend of cultures and the spirit of the city.
“With each new place we go, our team draws a huge amount of inspiration. London not only gives us access to the ingredients across all of Europe, it will also be a chance for us to learn quite a bit along the way.”
While the new London exclusives are yet to be announced, Dominique is thrilled to bring some of his most celebrated and long-awaited creations, including:
· The Cronut - perhaps the first 'viral' pastry in the world, news of this singular item traversed the globe and led to record-breaking lines for this croissant-donut hybrid pastry named one of the 'Best Inventions of 2013' by TIME magazine. The Cronut is a trademarked brand of Dominique Ansel Bakery in countries around the world, including the UK and is only available in its locations.
· DKA - the #1 best-seller in the NYC shop. 'Dominique’s Kouign Amann' is an original recipe based on a traditional pastry from the Brittany region of France. Dough is layered with butter and sugar, then baked, creating a caramelised crunchy crust on the outside and a flaky, tender crumb within (think caramelised croissant).
· The Cookie Shot - a warm chocolate chip cookie, shaped like a shot glass and filled to order with ice-cold milk infused with Tahitian vanilla bean.
· Frozen S’mores - inspired by the American campfire favourite, this cool treat features Tahitian vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate wafer crisps, enrobed in a honey marshmallow that is torched-to-order, and served on a smoked willow wood branch.
The new bakery at 17-21 Elizabeth Street has been let to Dominique Ansel by Grosvenor Britain & London as part of its 300 acre London estate.
Craig McWilliam, Executive Director, London Estate at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dominique Ansel Bakery to Belgravia, marking their first shop in London. This is a world-renowned brand that complements the unique culinary offer in Elizabeth Street and the surrounding area. Belgravia is an evolving part of London, just a stone’s throw from Victoria station. Domnique Ansel will attract visitors from around the city and the world, eager to try the culinary creations.”