Missing those cosy, snowy après-ski escargot-eating evenings? Due to our lack of Summer here in London, we thought we’d steer you towards some alpine establishments to relive those skiing memories. Book in for a night of yodelling and fondues before the Summer hits:
FRANCE
L’Art du Fromage Starters from £7
Like cheese? Who doesn’t – head to l’Art du Fromage in Chelsea specialising in a calorific reminder of the mountains. Serving traditional French fare expect escargots, foie gras and French onion soup all washed down with a hearty Bordeaux. Even the wine list offers traditional mountain wines alongside the classics and is regularly rotated to match seasons.
La Poule au Pot Starters from £8.50
For the ultimate in alpine romance, La Poule au Pot in London’s Chelsea is the guiding light of French eateries. Established in the 1960’s, the chalet-chic interior lends itself to settling in with a good Bordeaux and remembering those days on the slopes. Go for the classics – we recommend the bouillabaisse or the steak. If you don’t have all day, head there for the set lunch (2 courses for £20) but watch out for your wine intake. Their exceptional service means that lunches don’t stay sober for long.
AUSTRIA
The Tiroler Hut Starters from £4.70
Don’t be put off if you end up in close proximity to a hen / stag party here as the more you embrace The Tiroler Hut the more fun you’ll have! Filled with boisterous Londoners, the Tiroler Hut has been one of the most successful Austrian restaurants since it opened its doors in Westbourne Grove in 1967. Expect a spectacularly surprising menu (avoid the liver dumplings but the sauerkraut is a must) and sit back to enjoy an evening of cow bells and yodelling. Don’t forget to don your best dirndl.
Bodo’s Schloss Free entry if dressed in traditional Austrian clothes
Hitting London with aplomb in 2012, Bodo’s Schloss has nailed Austrian alpine chic for all hip 20-somethings when not out on the slopes. Situated alongside Kensington Gardens, they don their waitresses in tight (un) traditional lederhosen, fill the menu with Austrian treats (delectable schnitzel and fluffy apple strudel) and let the games begin. The dancefloor is the place to be though. Of course the DJ spins his decks from inside a fully functioning bubble lift.
SWITZERLAND
St Moritz Restaurant Starters from £6.75
London’s oldest Swiss restaurant, St Moritz, is situated on Wardour Street and is the perfect dining experience to leave your diet at the door. With reviews such as “I’ve eaten so much cheese I’m going to die” and “cheese coma ahoy”, you can rely on one of the best fondues in town. They even have chocolate fondues if can find the room. Head straight for the bratwurst and rösti.
Are there any other ski-themed restaurants you visit when nostalgia for the slopes hits? Let us know! We’d love to do our skiing duty and test them out…
Contact the off piste skiing and heli skiing experts at Pure Powder for summer skiing or mountain adventures!