L’escargot
L'Escargot is set in a Georgian townhouse from 1741 that once belonged to the Duke of Portland. The French restaurant, originally named Le Bienvenue, was opened by Georges Gaudin in 1896 at the base of Greek Street and became the first in England to serve snails, quickly establishing the dish as its signature. In 1927, it moved to a larger location at 48 Greek Street and was renamed L’Escargot Bienvenue in reference to its specialty, even featuring a snail farm in the new location's basement, a detail still remarked upon today.
Alex Gaudin took over from his father, establishing it as a top French restaurant in London. In the 1980s, new owners Nick Lander and Jancis Robinson hired renowned manager Elena Salvoni. A significant change came in 1998 when Jimmy Lahoud and chef Marco Pierre White assumed control, securing awards as the best French restaurant in London and sustaining a high reputation in Soho.
Today, head chef James Tyrrell, who has experience working at Langan's Brasserie and Claridge's Hotel, leads the kitchen. The restaurant has hosted countless celebrities, actors, and artists (Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon would eat at a particular table in the front window), the latter evidenced by owner and seasoned restaurateur Brian Clivaz’s art collection covering the walls.
