French crowd make time for Seven Dials

Seven Dials appears to be giving London’s French hub a run for its money with a string of Gallic openings.

Kensington has long been a popular hang-out for people who have moved from France but a string of openings by French brands around Seven Dials has led to the area becoming known as mini-Paris.

The latest name to join the roster is pastry chef Pierre Hermé, who was dubbed “The Picasso of Pastry” by French Vogue. He already sells his wares in Selfridges and in Lowndes Street, Belgravia, and has just signed up to open at 38 Monmouth Street in November.

The street is also home to Bordeaux beauty brand Caudalie and Mon Plaisir, one of London’s oldest French restaurants.

Other French brands that have moved in recently include La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels and Le Coq Sportif, with its only stand alone UK store. Next year the area will welcome Paris-based Loft Design By…

Charles Owen, portfolio manager at Shaftesbury which owns many of the properties in the area, said: “Seven Dials has maintained a strong link to its French heritage and we are proud to have such an interesting mix; being home to the oldest French restaurant in London is just one part of this.

“International brands are drawn to Seven Dials because it is one of London’s most popular and cosmopolitan villages.”