Down the cakehole: North Audley Cantine

The French aren’t coming — they’re already here. And little France continues its colonial expansion across Mayfair and Kensington with the arrival of North Audley Cantine (NAC for short). Founded by childhood friends David Bellaiche, Gabriel Cohen-Elia and Jeremy Coste, NAC is a chilled-out bistro offering French sharing plates and — bien sûr — mouthwatering patisseries.

The interior has a dining hall vibe. Cocktails are playful — the Lady Grey mixes Earl Grey-infused gin, vanilla and peach, lime and champagne — and the menu is simple but hearty: oeuf parfait with forest mushrooms, Grissini-crusted veal, and macaroni and cheese with truffles. Desserts include churros with popping sugar, and profitéroles with salted caramel and ice cream. Magnifique.