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The Francophile’s Guide to London

Where to find London's most authentic French spots

WHERE — London
PHOTOGRAPHY — Sam Flaherty
IN COLLABORATION WITH — Sezane

The definitive guide to all things French in London town. Because sometimes we just need a baguette (or a vin rouge).

Despite the neighbourly rivalry, the Brit’s can’t help but love all things French. And what’s not to love about good cheese, wine and dreamy impressionist art? So to celebrate Sezane’s pop up store in London (the French brand with a cult-like following in Paris) I hunted down the best of the best Frenchie spots in the British capital.

For modern, thoughtfully-produced French cuisine (not to mention highly Instagrammable interiors), Frenchie in Covent Garden is the place to be. For a more relaxed, interactive dining experience, take a seat at the bar and what the talented staff at work.

Frenchie, 16 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH

For a taste of France in East London, Chez Elles Bistroquet in Brick Lane nails the authentic French experience. French staff, French music, French customers; tick, tick, tick. A little piece of France in the city.

Chez Elles Bistroquet, 45 Brick Ln, London E1 6PU

To stock up on all your French cooking supplies, head to family-run Le Marché du Quartier in Borough Market.

Le Marché du Quartier,  The Market Porter, 35 9AH, 9 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA

While you’re there, make a pit-stop at Une Normande a Londres and The French Comté (there’s no such thing as too much cheese, right?) to fulfill all your artisan French cheese desires.

Une Normande a Londres, 9 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA

The French Comté, Unit 16b, Market Stoney St, London SE1 9AH

Perfecting the art of the humble baguette is Bread Ahead, who have also have a stall in Borough Market (une baguette s’il vous plait). Their bakery is just around the corner; so chances are your bread will still be deliciously hot from the oven.

However if a baguette or two isn’t enough to satisfy your baked cravings, Bread Ahead also offer baking classes for everyone from beginners to experts looking to nail the ultimate sour dough.

Bread Ahead, Borough Market, Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE

For an impressive collection of impressionist masterpieces, The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House is undoubtedly worth a visit. Exhibitions change regularly so it pays to check online beforehand to see what piques your interest.

Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN

When it comes to pharmacies, the French just do it better. Save yourself a trip on the Eurostar and visit Make Me Feel in Clapham; a traditional French pharmacy stocked with all the best products.

Make me Feel, 25 Abbeville Rd, London SW4 9LA

And of course for a limited time you can shop like a Parisian at Sezane’s London pop up store on South Molton Street which is open until December 23. However if you’re not in the hood, fear not, you can shop online at Sezane from the comfort of your couch 24/7.

Sezane Pop Up Boutique, 20, South Molton Street, London W1K 5QY

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