Nestled in the heart of Kensington, you’ll find the friendly French neighbourhood bar and restaurant that takes you on a tantalizing trip to the French Riviera: Le Petite Sud.

Hospitality heroes Charles Montanaro (Duck and Waffle) and Greg Almeida (Pollen Street Social) completed a takeover and refurbishment of the venue in July 2020 and have created a truly warm engaging atmosphere, letting the expertly crafted cocktails speak for themselves.

We couldn’t have been more excited to visit on Bastille Day to sample the new exclusive drink edition ‘Noilly Prat & St Germain Martini’. The limited-edition martini added a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the new innovative cocktail menu and is available for one month only.

The night started with the expertly crafted martini made with the incomparable flavour and complexity of Noilly Prat together with some tantalizing small plates. We sampled a real selection of bites including the Sea Bream Tartare, wholesome Barbary Duck Confit and the most delightfully flavourful mushroom dish.

The limited-edition strawberries and cream plate with ricotta were recommended alongside the Strawberry Margarita – my palette was blown away, while my mind was whisked off to a far-flung beachfront. The flavour was crisp and refreshing, alongside a truly wholesome concept. With novel cocktails being created year on year, the lavish mastery of mixology often becomes driven by multi-sensory experiences over depth and substance – Le Petit Sud has refused to do this, instead of focussing on the produce – from source to sip.

By being able to source the best quality ingredients sustainably, with minimal waste, they can tell a truly innovative story to all who visit. That’s something incredible. You don’t always need smoke, fire and fruit on your drinks to dazzle. Taking away the extra elements can refine the experience right down to the one thing that matters – taste.

Among the cocktail pairings, don’t miss out nostalgic craftsmanship of the elderflower Martini, paired with sweet pickles to switch up the flavour, because all Martinis used to come with pickles after all.

I wholly expected Le Petit Sud to have the most masterful cocktails, but have been equally blown away by the plates produced by the new Executive Chef Emilian Cracium, who previously worked at the prestigious private members club George Mayfair and the Ham Yard Hotel. They were perfect portions, delightfully presented and perfectly paired with the drinks menu.

It was also wonderful to put the face to the name when meeting Greg, as his career in the industry is renowned, from working in world-class cocktails bars globally including Papa Doble, Pollen Street Social, HIMKOK bar (which joined the World’s 50 Best Bars list within one year of opening), before a successful stint at the Rosewood London as Head Bartender of Scarfes Bar. He did not disappoint with his innovative cocktails and positively infectious personality.

If you’re searching for a relaxed evening experience, somewhere different to anywhere available in West London, don’t miss the opportunity to drink and dine at Le Petit Sud. You will be met with passion, playfulness and positivity.

Take a look at the new drinks menu here and book your evening with Le Petit Sud here.

A: 1 Palace Gate, South Kensington, London W8 5LS
T: 020 7589 0030
W: Le Petit Sud

Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International