7 November, 2014
Poilane Cuisine de Bar, Chelsea
I’ve struggled to find time for myself these past few weeks. With increased work hours, a driving theory test (I passed, hooray!), half-term and a preschooler who’s brought home all kinds of nasty bugs, the blog has sadly taken a bit of a backseat.
I did manage to sneak out for a ‘me’ day a few weekends ago and spent it with some friends shopping, eating and strolling through Chelsea.
Poilane Cuisine de Bar, just off the Kings Road was chosen as our carb-fix for the day.
Poilane is famously known as the best French bread bakery in the world, dating back to 1932 when their first shop opened in Paris. The London bakery has been around for many years now and though I’d visited before to buy fresh bread, this was actually my first time dining here.
We strolled in on a busy Saturday afternoon and got a table straightaway. The Poilane menu is small and basic but sometimes that is all one needs. There are a few breakfast items, tartines made with freshly baked sourdough bread, salads, fresh juices and of course, coffee. Despite the simplicity of the menu, it took me a while to decide on my lunch.
I started with one of my favourite drinks, fresh watermelon juice.
Lunch was thinly sliced toasted sourdough topped with tomatoes, melted mozzarella and basil. Yum.
Served with a much-needed and delicious side salad.
My friend ordered the fabulous banana toasted brioche with mascarpone cheese, banana, cinnamon, pecan nuts and maple syrup which of course, I tucked into for dessert! 😉
Poilane was buzzing with chatter and despite a small queue of hungry people waiting at the entrance by the time we wrapped up, the staff didn’t rush us even for a moment.
Poilane is a perfect spot for a shopping break in Chelsea and I highly recommend you buy some fresh bread to take home too. It is the best bread in the world, after all! 😉
Poilane also have another cafe/bakery not too far away in Belgravia with a slightly larger menu. Will definitely keep that in mind for next time.
Poilane Chelsea
39 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London SW32TB